Lucknow: Officials from the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee's Disability Cell staged a protest outside the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, demonstrating against various demands and rights related to disabled individuals. They lay on the road to express their discontent, accusing the government of neglecting the disabled community.
Protesting individuals stated that the voices of disabled people in the state have long been suppressed. Police arrived at the scene and attempted to persuade them to disperse, but the protesters refused, continuing to chant slogans against the government. This led to altercations with police personnel, who then dragged the protesters into vehicles and transported them to Eco Garden Park. The protesters affirmed that their movement would continue until their demands are met.
Demonstrators emphasized that they are not being given equal rights and facilities. They demanded reservations for disabled individuals in government jobs, priority in education and healthcare facilities, and accessible public spaces. Arvind Singh, a disabled protester from Kanpur, stated they have been continuously protesting for 26 point demands, including the issuance of appointment letters for disabled individuals in Lekhpal recruitment and the implementation of the Disabled Persons Act 2016.
Another protester, Mohammad Zubair, expressed that despite a long struggle, their concerns remain unaddressed. They demanded an increase in disability pension to ₹3,000 per month and greater facilities everywhere. He noted that government's changing of term from 'divyang' to 'viklang' will not bring any impactful change.
