The Hindu Business Line : Concession for the disabled

I must appreciate `Business Line' for selecting the topic `Concession for disabled' under its popular weekly column `Sticklish Issues', which is widely read by all and one can sure that the views expressed herein by the readers will be taken note of by the appropriate Governmental authorities for early implementation in the interest of the disabled persons.

The Government's decision to increase the number of attempts of disabled candidates from the present four to seven for civil service jobs, and thus bringing them on a par with SC/ST and OBC candidates, is surely a welcome step as more number of disabled candidates could enter the civil services. Similarly, the decision that separate reservation be made for the three categories of disability (visual and hearing impairment, locomotor disability, that is affecting nerves, muscles, bones and joints or cerebral palsy) will also enhance the number of such candidates joining the Government service than before.

After the enactment of the Persons With Disabilities (Equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act, 1995, a number of measures have been taken for the benefit of the disabled. But implementing and appointing authorities may not help in this regard. In this connection, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh's intervention to get a polio-affected candidate appointed in the Indian Revenue Service in the year 2005 cannot be forgotten. It shows the officials' attitude towards the disabled.

India's population comprises more than 20 million disabled but less than 1 per cent among them is engaged in income-generation work. To bridge the gap, certain posts such as phone attendant, lift operator, despatching clerk and the like could be reserved exclusively for the below matriculation level candidates. Further, it must be ensured that their working conditions are ameliorated by providing suitable low-level furniture, washbasins, toilets and ramps for wheelchair users.

Above all, what our disabled brothers and sisters require is not compassion but their rightful share to work along and lead a dignified life in the society.

S. Nallasivan, Tirunelveli *

Concessions have been given on paper at all levels to the disabled. But, implementation of these privileges has been tardy. In spite of the `gracious' guarantees, few disabled persons are make it to the top in studies or in employment or in service or in music, fine arts or in Bollywood. In the self-employed category, disabled have not been able to make headway. Even awareness about the benefits has not percolated to the poor. Medical assistance has not reached all the disabled persons, especially among poor citizens in rural areas.

It should be made mandatory for the public schools to reserve and admit students from the `disabled' category and toppers in studies and sports should be honoured. Free concessions should be given to the poor disabled students. Talented students can be given scholarship to pursue studies abroad in technical institutions. Public-private partnership framework should be encouraged for providing vocational education to the disabled.

The benefits of globalisation, liberalisation and technological advances should be made available to the disabled persons wherever necessary any and the progress of implementation should be under constant scrutiny by the SC/ST Commission or by a separate Regulator.

T. S. Sundareswaran, New Delhi

The disabled are given travel concessions, facilities such as wheelchair in the Railway stations, job quota in appointments etc. But many poor people are unable to afford disability certificate. Then, in any appointment, the least disabled get the job and the needy are left out. Some guidelines as to how the appointments are to be apportioned among the various categories could be set up. Better facilities and priority should be given in all services. Discrimination in work and public places such as hotels should be avoided by educating co-workers and the public.

A. Jacob Sahayam, Thiruvananthapuram

A definite No. As for the Government, all the concessions/facilities are on paper. While everyone has sympathies, no help is forthcoming. Fortunately, the problem is not as alarming as it appears. Corporates (some of which are already doing a good job like Infosys, Wipro etc) can come forward.

The Art of Living Foundation set up by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has certain projects. But these initiatives are not enough. Every Indian should try to help the disabled.

K.V. Rao, e-mail

Governments' decision to raise the number of attempts for disabled from the present 4 to 7 for Central Civil Services is most welcome. There should be a corresponding liberalisation in assessing the performance of such candidates so as to provide avenues of promotion. It will be good if the Government takes steps to review the modalities for recruitment of such persons comprehensively to ease the conditions to the barest minimum. The recruits should also be given training on job to make them confident in facing the challenges.

T.R. Anandan, Coimbatore.

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