PwDs stage protest in Kupwara for fulfilment of their demands

Kupwara, Apr 15: Scores of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Tuesday staged a protest in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district against the authorities for failing to fulfil their demands, subjecting them to enduring hardships.

The protesters accused the government of failing to fulfil promises made to the PwDs in their election manifesto, highlighting a gap between commitments and implementation.

“We are struggling for our survival but the concerned authorities seem to be insensitive regarding our hardships. For years we have been demanding enhancement of pension from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 but nothing is being done in this regard,” Mushtaq Ahmad, a protestor said.

The protesters demanded proper implementation of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) at the earliest so that they could have the privilege of their rights.

“Since most of the PwDs grapple about earning their livelihood, we are still forced to pay over Rs 780 monthly electricity bill, which has made things worse for us. Earlier we would pay Rs 320 per month. The government must consider providing us free electricity, water, and substantial ration,” another protestor said.

They demanded that the upper age limit for applying to government jobs for PwDs should be increased to 48 years, similar to other parts of the country.

They appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address their genuine grievances without further delay.