Physically Handicapped Persons Association to stage rasta roko

Addressing a press meet, Association President Dr V Muralidhar Naik said physically handicapped persons are given bus pass by the KSRTC after paying Rs 375.

However, the pass does not entitle him to travel anywhere within the state. A person with the pass can travel only within 100 kms radius distance from his residence. A physically handicapped person with the bus pass can not go to Madikeri or Hassan or Bangalore using the pass. After 100 kms, he has to pay the full amount to travel to the destination. The bus pass does not entitle the pass holder to travel in inter state permit buses. As a result, a person can not travel from Hampankatta to Talapady. The pass holder can travel only in KSRTC shuttle buses.
He said similar passes are issued to senior citizens. However, they do not have any terms and condition. Why this kind of injustice to the physically handicapped persons? he asked.

He urged the government to make sure that the bus pass can be used for travelling throughout the state. Those handicapped persons who did not receive bus pass should be given 50 per cent concession in bus ticket while travelling based on the identity card given by the government.

Training centre
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Physically Handicapped Persons Association has started Chaitanya vrithi tharabethi kendra, which will be inaugurated on November 28 at Association office at Ashirwad Building, near Ganapathy High School. The centre is being sponsored by the Central government.
Dr Naik said the centre will provide six months training in computer and stitching. The beneficiaries will also get a stipend of Rs 500 per month.