Srinagar, Dec 03 (KNO): On World Disability Day, Javed Ahmad Tak, a Padma Shri awardee and a specially-abled person from south Kashmir, expressed serious concerns over the non-implementation of Supreme Court guidelines and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tak, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that despite the clear directives, including reservations in promotions for employees with disabilities, the J&K government has failed to enforce these policies, which has left many persons with disabilities in a state of stagnation and discontent.
"It is unfortunate that people with disabilities continue to protest on World Disability Day to press for their rights. Such protests reflect the marginalised position of this community," he lamented. “World Disability Day is not about charity; it’s about enhancing the capabilities of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion in society."
Despite the launch of the 'Accessible India Campaign' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Javed criticised the minimal progress made on the ground, claiming that only "superficial" changes have been made, and most funds allocated for accessibility have lapsed.
The government should have issued a directive mandating accessibility in all new public buildings, including facilities like ramps and lifts, to ensure that persons with disabilities are not sidelined, he said.
“The absence of special educators, disabled-friendly washrooms in schools and suitable teaching materials is a major barrier for disabled students. How can they attend school without proper provisions?” Tak asked.
He said the government has failed to implement the four per cent job reservation for people with disabilities, a policy that remains largely ignored in many sectors.
Javed further said that while the government has exempted persons with disabilities from exam fees, in practice, students are often asked to submit fees, and even clerks are unaware of the exemption. He lamented that the community is often treated as invisible and that the government's failure to provide basic assistance, such as necessary medicines and related support, is a direct violation of their rights.
Tak also raised concerns about the social security pension for people with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir, which is only Rs 1,000—far below the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 provided in other states and Union Territories. He called for an immediate increase to Rs 6,000 per month and demanded that heads of families with disabilities be exempted from electricity and water charges, and provided free ration to support their livelihoods.
Mohammad Rafee, a wheelchair-bound person from Srinagar, said that while World Disability Day is celebrated with much fanfare, the commitment to addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities often wanes after the day’s events.
“In Kashmir, individuals must pledge to address these challenges, but too often, the commitment fades away,” he said. Rafee said there are issues like inaccessible infrastructure, attitudinal barriers, health access, stigmatisation, and the lack of employment opportunities.
Mudasir Ahmad, Principal of Abhinandan Home Srinagar, highlighted the remarkable achievements of students with disabilities, despite facing numerous challenges. “Our deaf and dumb students have outperformed their non-disabled peers, securing top positions in events like the Kashmir Marathon,” he said. “They have also shown exceptional talent in painting, sports, and vocational training, proving that disability is not a limitation.”
Mudasir added that the educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is struggling to meet the needs of students with disabilities due to a severe shortage of special educators. “At least 300 special educators are needed to cater to students with disabilities, especially at the college level where there is no support for 12th-pass students with disabilities,” he said.
He called on the government and educational authorities to prioritise the recruitment and training of special educators to ensure equal access to quality education for students with disabilities. "The colleges and universities must become more inclusive and accessible to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities," he stressed. "By addressing these gaps in education and promoting inclusivity, students with disabilities can be empowered to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society."—(KNO)