Date:04/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/04/stories/2005120406420500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Disabled persons stage demonstration

Staff Reporter

Many of their demands are genuine, says Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash

FOR A CAUSE: Disabled persons staging a demonstration in Bangalore on Saturday demanding that the Government fulfil their long-pending demands. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

BANGALORE: Hundreds of disabled persons greeted Deputy Chief Minister M.P. Prakash with black cards and shouted slogans at a function here on Saturday against the State Government's alleged indifference to their long-pending demands.

Responding to their pleas, Mr. Prakash admitted that many of the demands are genuine. The demands will be discussed at a meeting in the Vidhana Soudha on Monday. Officials concerned and representatives of non-governmental organisations will discuss the issues and find a solution, he said.

Five per cent reservation in government jobs, setting up a development fund, opportunities to set up juice centres and other outlets along with STD booths, increase in concessions from 50 per cent to 75 per cent in passes and in honorarium from Rs. 125 to Rs. 1,000 are among the demands of disabled persons.

Later, addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said the demand for five per cent reservation in government jobs is genuine. He will speak to his ministerial colleagues on its implementation. He promised assistance for a proposal to build a Helen Keller Bhavan.

Mr. Prakash urged people working for the welfare of the disabled to put forth their views through proper leadership and seek redressal from the Government.