Srinagar, Dec 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHA) marked World Disability Day on Tuesday as a day of protest, urging the state government to enhance the welfare of the disabled community in the region.
Several JKHA members assembled near the Press Enclave, carrying banners and chanting slogans. They called for prompt government action to promote the welfare of disabled individuals in Jammu and Kashmir.
The protesters presented multiple demands, including the initiation of a dedicated recruitment drive for qualified disabled persons and an increase in the monthly pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. They also requested low-interest loans with subsidies and vertical reservation in employment.
Other requests included a 4 percent reservation in MGNREGA projects, along with a 4 percent reservation in legislative assembly, municipalities, and panchayats.
Furthermore, the protesters advocated for the creation of an advisory board to focus on the socio-economic development of the disabled community, as well as the establishment of separate counters for them in government offices and banks.
The demonstrators urged the government to execute these recommendations in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act, 2016, and existing government orders before dispersing peacefully.
