Ratia, June 8:- The Viklang Adhikar Manch, Haryana, held its fifth district-level conference today at Sati Mandir, Ratia, under the chairmanship of State and District President Surendra Kumar. The event featured renowned social worker Sardar Narendra Singh Bahmanwala as the chief guest, while Rishikesh Rajli, State General Secretary of Viklang Adhikar Manch, Haryana, served as the keynote speaker. The program was moderated by District Joint Secretary Karamjit Singh Padam, with approximately 100 people with disabilities from across Fatehabad district in attendance. The event commenced with the hoisting of the organization's flag by Surendra Kumar.
In his address, chief guest Narendra Singh Bahmanwala emphasized that people with disabilities deserve the same respect and dignity as any other citizen. He urged the government and administration to focus on improving their standard of living and integrating them into mainstream society, promising his full support to the community.
Keynote speaker Rishikesh Rajli stated that the Manch is dedicated to raising awareness among people with disabilities regarding their rights and government-provided facilities. He expressed gratitude to the Haryana government for fulfilling the long-standing demand of providing free bus travel to those with over 40% disability. However, he demanded that this facility be extended to all routes covered by Haryana Roadways and that passes be made valid for long-distance buses. He also raised concerns about private bus operators, who often harass passengers with disabilities or refuse to board them, demanding clear guidelines for private transport providers.
The Manch raised several major demands, including the simplification of the UDID card process and recognition of old medical certificates, the issuance of BPL ration cards to needy individuals with disabilities, and the resolution of issues related to Parivar Pehchan Patra. They also called for the provision of interest-free loans up to 3.5 lakh rupees, the mandatory installation of ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs in all government and private institutions, and an increase in monthly pension to 10,000 rupees. Further demands included the filling of vacant posts reserved for persons with disabilities, the removal of the 5-year condition for receiving artificial limbs from the Red Cross, and the strict implementation of 5% reservation in school, college, and university admissions under the Disability Act 2016.
The conference was also addressed by All India Kisan Sabha leader Comrade Jagtar Singh, Master Ram Gopal Balana, social worker Ramesh Lali, District Secretary Surendra Jandali, Bhuna Block President Ishwar Singh, and Ratia Block President Tek Chand.
At the conclusion of the conference, a 15-member district committee was reorganized. Ramniwas was appointed as District President, Papal Kumar as Vice President, Karamjit Singh Padam as Secretary, Babu Ram as Joint Secretary, and Surendra Kumar as Treasurer. Additionally, Anil Bishnoi, Tek Chand, Chhindrapal, Ishwar Singh, Surendra Jandali, Rohtash Ranga, Udayveer, Suresh Kumar, Surjit Singh Tibbi, and Navpreet Singh Chahal were included as committee members.