Differently-abled to gherao Chhattisgarh Assembly over 6-point demand, seek inclusion in Mahtari Vandan Yojana
RAIPUR: In a significant development ahead of the monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, the Chhattisgarh Divyangjan Seva Sangh has announced that differently-abled individuals across the state will stage a massive gherao of the Assembly on July 16.
The move comes after three years of protests over a six-point charter of demands that remain unaddressed by the government.
One of the key demands gaining attention is the inclusion of unmarried differently-abled women aged 21 and above under 'Mahtari Vandan Yojana', a state-run welfare scheme currently limited to married women. The Sangh has urged the state government to modify the eligibility criteria to accommodate these women, highlighting the social realities faced by the differently-abled.
Explaining the rationale behind this demand, Sangh functionaries said that many differently-abled women are unable to find life partners due to prevailing social biases and challenges. 'Just because they are unmarried shouldn't mean they are excluded from financial support,' said Sangh Secretary Santosh Kumar Tonde. 'The rule mandating marriage for eligibility under the scheme must be re-examined in the case of differently-abled women.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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They too are mothers, caretakers, and homemakers in many ways, and deserve dignity and state support,' he said.
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, launched by the state government to empower women through monthly financial assistance, currently extends benefits only to married women. The Sangh's demand is rooted in the broader principle of social justice and inclusive welfare, arguing that marital status should not determine eligibility for basic economic rights, especially for those who are already marginalized.
Another major concern raised by the Sangh is the alleged misuse of disability certificates. The association has submitted a list of 127 individuals, including deputy collectors, naib tehsildars, accounts officers, cooperative inspectors, and veterinary doctors, who, they allege, secured government jobs using fraudulent disability certificates. The list includes seven deputy collectors and several officers selected by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC).
'The government must initiate a thorough inquiry and dismiss those found guilty, as they are taking away opportunities meant for genuinely disabled persons,' Tonde stated.
Key Demands of the Sangh
Dismissal of government employees with fake disability certificates after proper investigation.
Increase in disability pension from Rs 500 to Rs 5000 per month.
Special recruitment drive to fill backlog posts reserved for the differently-abled, pending since 2009.
Implementation of 3% reservation in promotions for differently-abled government employees, with calculations dating back to November 1, 2000.
Inclusion of unmarried differently-abled women above 21 years in the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
Recovery of loans taken fraudulently in the name of disability and provision of interest-free loans without guarantors for genuine differently-abled individuals.
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