Gujarat: Divyang organisation ask for atleast 2 Lok Sabha seats

The Bharatiya Divyang Sangathan has sought that each of the prominent national and state parties give ticket to at least one Disabled candidates this Lok Sabha elections.

Amit Kumar, national president of the organisation said that for years the disabled people have been representing their programmes but they hardly get addressed. "Only a disabled MLA can understand our concerns since he too would have faced the same challenges we do," said Kumar.

Hailing from Mehsana Kumar said that he has set deadline to April 7 for political parties to declare disable candidates. He said if they fail to agree to his demand he will reveal some big announcement.

Kumar was also not satisfied with the arrangements for disabled voters at the polling booth.

He also said a divyang card does not appeal to disabled voters.

"We don't need identity card. Moreover when people see us they know we are disabled," said Kumar who is himself wheelchair bound.

He said what the card could have instead done was provide them access to service by presenting the card. "The card should ideally have been enough for us to get discounts in public transport and other such facilities. But as of know nothing of that sort is provided," said Kumar.

Another crucial demand Kumar had was pension benefits for disabled community.

"People who are above 90% disabled they should get financial support in form of pension from the government. For many poor, the biggest concern is source of income as they don't even get jobs. If pension provided will help them lead a respectable life," said Kumar.