Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHA) observed World Disability Day on Tuesday as a “black day” to draw attention to the issues faced by the disabled community in the region. Dozens of JKHA members gathered near the Press Enclave in Srinagar, holding banners and raising slogans, demanding immediate government action to improve the welfare of disabled individuals in the Union Territory.
The protesters made several key demands, including the launch of a special recruitment drive for qualified disabled persons and a significant increase in the monthly pension from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000. They also called for the provision of low-interest loans with subsidies, as well as vertical reservation in jobs for people with disabilities.
In addition, the protesters demanded 4 percent reservation in MGNREGA works, as well as in the legislative assembly, municipalities, and panchayats. They also urged the government to establish an advisory board dedicated to the socio-economic development of the disabled community and to open separate counters for disabled persons in government offices and banks.
The JKHA appealed to the government to implement these demands in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act, 2016, and existing government orders. The protest ended peacefully with the members calling for swift action to address the challenges faced by the disabled population in Jammu and Kashmir.
