Srinagar, Feb 13,: Members of a Handicapped Association on Friday staged a protest at the Press Enclave here, demanding effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Raising slogans and holding placards, the protesters said that despite repeated representations, the provisions of the central legislation have not been fully enforced in the Union Territory. They called for strict adherence to the Act, including reservation in jobs, educational institutions and welfare measures guaranteed under law.
The association members alleged that they had earlier held a similar protest in Jammu but claimed that no representative from the government came forward to engage with them or address their grievances.
The protesters said persons with disabilities continue to face hardships due to lack of proper infrastructure, employment opportunities and timely assistance. They urged the administration to ensure that all departments comply with the mandate of the 2016 Act and frame necessary rules wherever required.
They further appealed to the government to initiate structured dialogue with representatives of the disabled community and put in place monitoring mechanisms to safeguard their rights.
The protest concluded peacefully. [KNT]
