Sirs, A very welcome initiative which will address garibs amongst the disabled. "Greatness lies not in never falling but in rising everytime we fall" Captain Johann samuhanand, BANGALORE INDIA 91 80 42023252 www.captainjohann.blogspot.com
>________________________________ > From: National Platform For The Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) > <[email protected]> >To: National Platform For The Rights of the Disabled Delhi <[email protected]> >Sent: Saturday, 25 February 2012 5:03 PM >Subject: Letter to Railway Minister -- budget preparations > > >The NPRD alongwith representatives of 16 other organisations had represented >before the Railway Minister in September 2011 concerning some issues, which >the Railway Minister, Shri Dinesh Trivedi he will look into. > > >As preparations for the Railway Budget are on the NPRD has again addressed a >letter to the Railway Minister sent on February 22, 2012 reiterating the very >same issues and demands. > > >It is being reproduced herebelow for your information > > >Muralidharan >Assistant Convener >NPRD >4, Ashoka Road, New Delhi >9868768543 > > > > > >February 22, 2012 > > >Shri Dinesh Trivedi >Union Minister for Railways >Government of India > >Dear Shri Trivediji, > >Since your ministry is engaged in the preparations for the 2012-13 railway budget, we would once again like to bring before you certain issues that we had placed before you when a delegation representing 17 organisations working among disabled persons met you on September 28, 2011. > >We had then drawn your attention to the problems faced by people with reduced mobility, the elderly in general and those with disabilities in particular, while travelling with the Indian Railways. > >We would once again like to place before the issues that we had then raised, so that they may be adequately addressed during the forthcoming budget. > >1. Concessions > >(i) Extend Concession to all Trains: The Railways have been >providing concessions for disabled persons in mail & express trains, which now has been extended to Rajdhani & Shatabdi also.But the concession is not provided in local and passenger trains and the Garib Rath. We request that concessions be provided on these trains also. >(ii) Validity of Disability Certificates: Currently, a separate certificate has to be obtained for availing railway concession. The railways should accept Disability Certificates or cards as valid proof of the disability of the concerned person and do away with the requirement of a separate certificate. >(iii) Travelling without Escorts: Except for visually impaired persons and the hearing & speech impaired, currently all other disabled persons have to invariably travel with escorts if they have to avail concession. This restricts their right to travel. All disabled persons who are capable of traveling independently like persons with locomotor disabilities should be allowed to travel with or without escort. >(iv) Concession to Mentally Disabled Persons:People with mental illness are included in the PwD Act but they are not provided concessions in the railways. All those classified as disabled in the PwD Act should be provided concession in the railways. >(v) Concession on Tatkal Tickets: The usual concession given on >other tickets should also be provided for bookings made under Tatkal. > >2. E Booking Facility: E booking facility should be extended to the disabled. In fact they require it more than non-disabled persons. As in the case of senior citizens, the TTE can ask for proof (disability certificate) during the course of the journey. > >3. Coach for Disabled: Many a time the coach meant for the disabled is occupied by other travellers, railway employees and even RPF personnel. It should be ensured that the coach be placed next to the guard’s coach and a disabled sensitive attendant be provided in these coaches to ensure that none other than disabled persons and their escorts are allowed. > >4. Accessibility: You are aware that the PwD Act of 1995 mandates railway >stations and coaches to be made barrier free. Its implementation, however, has been disappointing. > >Railway stations are not accessible. Ramps are rare and that too limited for entry into the foot over-bridges. Platforms are inaccessible. The gap (height) between the platform and the coach varies from station to station. There is not enough space for mobility inside the coaches. Toilets cannot be used by persons with certain disabilities. > >· The Railways should go in for universal design. It should set up a task force on access. >· Tactile marking should be made on the platform to guide blind persons to the exit, bridges, stairs, ticketing counters etc. Tactile markings should also be provided on the edges of the platforms. Platform numbers should be labelled in Braille both at the entry/exit points as well as on the railing of the foot overbridge. >· Batteryoperated cars now provided at some stations should be made available at all major stations and platforms. > >5. Sensitising Railway Staff: The disabled encounter a lot of problems at railway counters. There is a need to sensitise all personnel working in the railways, especially those dealing directly with travelers, on issues connected with disability. > > >6. Employment: Railways have not made recruitment to fill the 3 per cent quota for disabled persons for the past many years.The backlog needs to be filled immediately. In the matter of promotions also, despite court orders, reservations in promotions are not being implemented. > > >We hope you will consider these issues and they will find adequate reflection in the forthcoming budget. > > >Yours sincerely > > > > > > > > >(Kanti Ganguly) >(Muralidharan) >Convener >Assistant Convener > > > > > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. 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