Protest stalls World Disability Day events

The World Disability Day event organised by the State government, on Thursday, was brought to a halt momentarily after a large group of employees with disability, employed by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), staged a protest stating that the government had not kept several promises that were made.

Just minutes after the inauguration of the event at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in the City, the protestors began shouting slogans and ensured that the programme was brought to a halt.

Roopa, one of the employees of KPTCL, said they were assured that their services would be regularised in a phased manner. However, this promise remains unkept even after they have completed eight years of service.

“We have given our representations to the government several times. Nothing has been done. Coming up with a programme like this once a year serves no purpose when the government does not even respect us in the real sense,” she fumed.

Protesters also claimed that they had approached Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and yet, no decision has been taken. Ashwini, another employee with the KPTCL said, “ All we want is the regularization of our jobs so that we can stand on our own feet.”

Reacting to this, the Women and Child Development Minister said: “I am not angered by what has happened today. Since this involves two departments, I would do what is best possible from my end and also speak to D K Shivakumar,” she added.

As many as 37 specially-abled people from the State and various organisations were awarded for their achievements. L Subramani, who is a senior sub editor with the Deccan Herald, was also among the awardees.

Various individuals and organisations that have worked for the disabled were also given State awards. Paralympic swimmer Moin Junaidi, Deepa Narasimhan, President, Disability Empowerment Resource Group, Renukaradhya, Deputy Director, KPTCL were also among those felicitated.

Dance performance
Vishwas K S requested Umashree, the Women and Child Development Minister, to take time out and see his dance performance. Inspired by his energy, she granted him permission to perform.

This BCom graduate went job hunting soon after completing his education. Vishwas then learnt karate. He has won three silver medals in the recent Paralympics event. At the age of 10, Vishwas accidentally came in contact with a live electric wire after which both his hands had to be amputated.