Differently abled citizens decry lackadaisical govt

HYDERABAD: G. Satish, a 38-year-old differently-abled person, says society has completely ignored his rights and those of others like him, who are not even provided basic amenities like dedicated washrooms, footpaths, pelican crossing. The absence of wheelchairs at most public places is glaring.

Many persons with disabilities lack of jobs and are denied pension benefits too, ahead of International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3.

“Imagine not being able to use washrooms for hours. We are stuck wherever we go, and the government still chooses not to acknowledge our plight. Those suffering with spinal-cord injuries, those unable to see and walk are the most troubled,” Satish said, adding, “Special medical kits are not provided.”

Satish runs a committee for the rights of differently abled people. He said most of the members talk about how fewer than half of them receive disability pension, government jobs or even a proper education. Despite requesting the government several times, no action has been taken, he said.

An official from the department for welfare of disabled and senior citizens, said that several government wings were responsible for providing the facilities, like the railways, GHMC, HMDA, Metro Rail and traffic police.

“At bus stops, railways and Metro Rail stations, wheelchairs must be provided. That is not happening but the facility is being provided slowly," said the official.

Satish, however, said that differently abled citizens suffer the most at railway and Metro Rail stations. Wheelchairs are hardly provided anywhere, not even in government departments.

“Those who get pension, receive around `3,000 a month. How can we live on that money or think of getting married,” a person with disabilities wondered.

“It would be incorrect to say Hyderabad is not a friendly city for differently abled citizens. The government is picking up slowly on this front and needs some time to provide all amenities,” the official said.

Prof. Lakshman Rao of JNTU, who works with the government on projects related to traffic, said that Hyderabad was lacking 100 per cent in providing proper sidewalks, cross walks or footpaths. “Our roads are constructed in such a way where the pedestrians are completely ignored. A footpath should at least be dedicated to the differently abled to travel with some ease without fear of being hit or the footpath being captured for parking purposes,” he said.

What is lacking

Government has completely ignored rights

Lack of basic amenities like dedicated washrooms, footpaths and pelican crossing

Wheelchairs not provided at most public places

No medical kits, few get pensions.

Jobs are hard to come by

The pension amount is less

“Imagine not being able to use washrooms for hours. We are stuck wherever we go, and the government still chooses not to acknowledge our plight.”

G. Satish

Differently abled person

A footpath should be dedicated to the differently abled to travel with some ease without fear of being hit by vehicles or the footpath being captured for parking vehicles.

Prof. Lakshman Rao

JNTU