Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
All said and done, I cannot appreciate the point of handicapped or more appropriately disabled coach being placed at anywhere else than in the middle of the train, and more so it being not vestibuled The coach being placed always on the engine side is impractical as railways can hardly be expected to shunt it every time. Besides, on the engine side, there is no guard. The deployment of police force thing also is not appealing to me, as it is hardly feasible to employ RPF personnel in a non-vestibuled coach placed at extremes. If the coach is in the middle, say, in train of 24 bogies, if it is vestibuled at 12/13 position, then it will be possible for patrolling RPF personnel to keep a vigil on it. Besides, it can be easily located and boarded by disabled passengers as being in the approximate middle position. Even if unauthorized passengers are likely to board it as if feared, they can be easily shifted to other coaches as the coach is vestibuled, and help can be easily obtained to do so even by pulling the chain. If the coach is in the extremes as is the case, unauthorized passengers still board it, and they are mostly with general ordinary tickets. You can do nothing about it as no help is forthcoming in an unconnected coach. If the coach is vestibuled in middle, unauthorized passengers will be wait listed at most, and they can be forced to go into adjacent coaches. About hawkers disturbing disabled, you get no hawkers towards extremes, and I have known cases where disabled passengers have to remain hungry and thirsty throughout journey The advocates of non-vestibuled disabled coaches, please re consider your stand... Or better have firsthand experience of long journeys with family in the disabled coach as it is at present. I know my views are often not recognized or derided at, for I speak as I authentically feel without artificialities of civilized behavior. Anyway, one is free to pay heed or not. Regards Rajesh Asudani Assistant General Manager, Reserve Bank of India Nagpur 09420397185 O: 0712 2806676 Res: 0712 2591349 Doth God exact day-labour, light denied? John Milton -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of harish Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:34 AM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear Vashisht Some more points for you to consider. 1 The edge of the platform should have a different surface. There are many incidents wherein blind persons have fallen to the tracks 2 The gap between 2 compartments should be closed. There are incidents of tragic nature that I am aware of where a blind person fell through it. 3 Especially in local trains, there should be internal announcements of approaching station and the direction of the approaching platform. EG. Kolcutta metro. 4 Especially again in suburban trains the platform should be in line with the floor level of the trains. 5 There should be tactile markers leading to bridge and exit gates. 6 In automated announcement systems, it should also announce the station name eg. Welcome to Pune station, 1020 Konarak express has arrived on platform no. 1 etc. Warmly Harish Kotian - Original Message - From: SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
Hi Harish, the suggestions are very valid and I thank you for the same. The same are being included in the demands. Hi Rajesh, the point is well taken and will surely be included. The reasoning that was given was of Railways from their point of view of perceptible implementation issues. The disability sector has always been opposed to any exclusionary practices - more so for those who have no mobility impairments. Even those with mobility impairments have been asking for inclusive services but often when it is a general coach, the physically disabled get marginalized so the reserved exclusive half coach was considered as an option. The point is taken in its right spirit and is well in sync with the prevailing moods and philosophy of inclusion! regards 2009/11/9 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud...@rbi.org.in All said and done, I cannot appreciate the point of handicapped or more appropriately disabled coach being placed at anywhere else than in the middle of the train, and more so it being not vestibuled The coach being placed always on the engine side is impractical as railways can hardly be expected to shunt it every time. Besides, on the engine side, there is no guard. The deployment of police force thing also is not appealing to me, as it is hardly feasible to employ RPF personnel in a non-vestibuled coach placed at extremes. If the coach is in the middle, say, in train of 24 bogies, if it is vestibuled at 12/13 position, then it will be possible for patrolling RPF personnel to keep a vigil on it. Besides, it can be easily located and boarded by disabled passengers as being in the approximate middle position. Even if unauthorized passengers are likely to board it as if feared, they can be easily shifted to other coaches as the coach is vestibuled, and help can be easily obtained to do so even by pulling the chain. If the coach is in the extremes as is the case, unauthorized passengers still board it, and they are mostly with general ordinary tickets. You can do nothing about it as no help is forthcoming in an unconnected coach. If the coach is vestibuled in middle, unauthorized passengers will be wait listed at most, and they can be forced to go into adjacent coaches. About hawkers disturbing disabled, you get no hawkers towards extremes, and I have known cases where disabled passengers have to remain hungry and thirsty throughout journey The advocates of non-vestibuled disabled coaches, please re consider your stand... Or better have firsthand experience of long journeys with family in the disabled coach as it is at present. I know my views are often not recognized or derided at, for I speak as I authentically feel without artificialities of civilized behavior. Anyway, one is free to pay heed or not. Regards Rajesh Asudani Assistant General Manager, Reserve Bank of India Nagpur 09420397185 O: 0712 2806676 Res: 0712 2591349 Doth God exact day-labour, light denied? John Milton -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of harish Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:34 AM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear Vashisht Some more points for you to consider. 1 The edge of the platform should have a different surface. There are many incidents wherein blind persons have fallen to the tracks 2 The gap between 2 compartments should be closed. There are incidents of tragic nature that I am aware of where a blind person fell through it. 3 Especially in local trains, there should be internal announcements of approaching station and the direction of the approaching platform. EG. Kolcutta metro. 4 Especially again in suburban trains the platform should be in line with the floor level of the trains. 5 There should be tactile markers leading to bridge and exit gates. 6 In automated announcement systems, it should also announce the station name eg. Welcome to Pune station, 1020 Konarak express has arrived on platform no. 1 etc. Warmly Harish Kotian - Original Message - From: SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
Dear Vashisht Some more points for you to consider. 1 The edge of the platform should have a different surface. There are many incidents wherein blind persons have fallen to the tracks 2 The gap between 2 compartments should be closed. There are incidents of tragic nature that I am aware of where a blind person fell through it. 3 Especially in local trains, there should be internal announcements of approaching station and the direction of the approaching platform. EG. Kolcutta metro. 4 Especially again in suburban trains the platform should be in line with the floor level of the trains. 5 There should be tactile markers leading to bridge and exit gates. 6 In automated announcement systems, it should also announce the station name eg. Welcome to Pune station, 1020 Konarak express has arrived on platform no. 1 etc. Warmly Harish Kotian - Original Message - From: SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers with Low Vision, but the fight should be on. There is lot of pilferage and if this could be plugged, Low vision passengers could be easily accommodated in the quota. *Ashwani,* thanks for raising a very relevant point of concessions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi etc. This demand is being pushed for a long time with no success. Lower berth can be allotted if available as that is given on first come first serve basis. *Rakesh,* there have been instances of misuse and fake certificates. So railways want to cross-check the veracity of DC (Disability Certificate) by a CC (Concession Certificate) ! May be this can be done away with once we have the electronic ID Card in place. regards, 2009/11/3 SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com No Rajesh, converting four general berth of Boggies for disabled in to a Reserved Disabled Quota was debated strongly that is why you see the the first two demands originating from that very issue. that is Increase the number of Reserved compartments to at least one reserved (72 seater) and one unreserved coach, secondly that they should not take away the existing benefits. The idea of having the boggies in the front or the rear was to ensure that people, hawkers should not disturb them in the through and through connected boggies. Secondly railways thought that it would be easy to assist them by the train Guard/Security if it is close to engine or at the rear near parcel van where generally the RPF constables are on deployed. However, keeping the boggie in the middle of the train will have its own problems. Firstly, deploying police force may not be feasible as per railway. Secondly not many people follow the rules strictly during the day and most of the coaches immediately in the centre get filled up with unwanted crowd who are often short distance travellers and never reserve their seats. Even if it is a reserved compartment, people least bother except in some trains in south India!! regards 2009/11/3 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud...@rbi.org.in Well, handicapped coach is in front or back because the same wrack plies back and forth without turning. It would be wise to position it almost in middle and interconnecting it with rest of the train. Surprisingly, demands and strategies discussed at Chennai do not mentionethe mess created by railways by converting four berths of handicapped coach into HP quota and making the coach reserved-cum-general... Rajesh Asudani
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
Dear Subramini, I share your concerns for we have seen how bureaucracy and society in general implement policies and reacts to new technology. A simple example is ban on smoking in public in Delhi. Despite a blanket ban, people still smoke in public, perhaps because no one raises a voice or even reacts to it. Need is to raise a voice and mark your protest. I don't say go and fight but just register your protest. The ground is made. In this case also the disability advocates need to consistently try, push raise voice. Though it is difficult to change the age-old mindsets in a short span of time, but we will see many small small accomplishments in near future. The present is far better than the past which itself indicates that small initiatives have worked. Lets join to fight the injustice! regards 2009/11/3 Subramani L lsubram...@deccanherald.co.in But Vhashisht, the question about our system is not how good is the technology, but how effectively we use them and how commonsensical is our policy and our bureaucracy. There will be little surprise if our authorities fail to understand the prupose of something like NUIC. Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of SC Vashishth Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:29 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers with Low Vision, but the fight should be on. There is lot of pilferage and if this could be plugged, Low vision passengers could be easily accommodated in the quota. *Ashwani,* thanks for raising a very relevant point of concessions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi etc. This demand is being pushed for a long time with no success. Lower berth can be allotted if available as that is given on first come first serve basis. *Rakesh,* there have been instances of misuse and fake certificates. So railways want to cross-check the veracity of DC (Disability Certificate) by a CC (Concession Certificate) ! May be this can be done away with once we have the electronic ID Card in place. regards, 2009/11/3 SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com No Rajesh, converting four general berth of Boggies for disabled in to a Reserved Disabled Quota was debated strongly that is why you see the the first two demands originating from that very issue. that is Increase the number of Reserved compartments to at least one reserved (72 seater) and one unreserved coach, secondly that they should not take away the existing benefits. The idea of having the boggies in the front or the rear was to ensure that people, hawkers should not disturb them in the through and through connected boggies. Secondly railways thought that it would be easy to assist them by the train Guard/Security if it is close to engine or at the rear near parcel van where generally the RPF constables are on deployed. However, keeping the boggie in the middle of the train will have its own problems. Firstly, deploying police force may not be feasible as per railway. Secondly not many people follow the rules strictly during the day and most of the coaches immediately in the centre get filled up with unwanted crowd who are often short distance travellers and never reserve their seats. Even if it is a reserved compartment, people least bother except in some trains in south India!! regards 2009/11/3 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
But Vhashisht, the question about our system is not how good is the technology, but how effectively we use them and how commonsensical is our policy and our bureaucracy. There will be little surprise if our authorities fail to understand the prupose of something like NUIC. Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of SC Vashishth Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:29 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers with Low Vision, but the fight should be on. There is lot of pilferage and if this could be plugged, Low vision passengers could be easily accommodated in the quota. *Ashwani,* thanks for raising a very relevant point of concessions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi etc. This demand is being pushed for a long time with no success. Lower berth can be allotted if available as that is given on first come first serve basis. *Rakesh,* there have been instances of misuse and fake certificates. So railways want to cross-check the veracity of DC (Disability Certificate) by a CC (Concession Certificate) ! May be this can be done away with once we have the electronic ID Card in place. regards, 2009/11/3 SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com No Rajesh, converting four general berth of Boggies for disabled in to a Reserved Disabled Quota was debated strongly that is why you see the the first two demands originating from that very issue. that is Increase the number of Reserved compartments to at least one reserved (72 seater) and one unreserved coach, secondly that they should not take away the existing benefits. The idea of having the boggies in the front or the rear was to ensure that people, hawkers should not disturb them in the through and through connected boggies. Secondly railways thought that it would be easy to assist them by the train Guard/Security if it is close to engine or at the rear near parcel van where generally the RPF constables are on deployed. However, keeping the boggie in the middle of the train will have its own problems. Firstly, deploying police force may not be feasible as per railway. Secondly not many people follow the rules strictly during the day and most of the coaches immediately in the centre get filled up with unwanted crowd who are often short distance travellers and never reserve their seats. Even if it is a reserved compartment, people least bother except in some trains in south India!! regards 2009/11/3 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud...@rbi.org.in Well, handicapped coach is in front or back because the same wrack plies back and forth without turning. It would be wise to position it almost in middle and interconnecting it with rest of the train. Surprisingly, demands and strategies discussed at Chennai do not mentionethe mess created by railways by converting four berths of handicapped coach into HP quota and making the coach reserved-cum-general... Rajesh Asudani Assistant General Manager, Reserve Bank of India Nagpur 09420397185 O: 0712 2806676 Res: 0712 2591349 Doth God exact day-labour, light denied? John Milton -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Amar Jain Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 8:22 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultation on Issues related to Railways Respected Sir
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
Dear all, Some one has suggested that railway should check our certificate and register with them and then asign us a login ID on IRCTC website. But my question is, If we want to use more than one concession certificate, then in this case should we book the tickets from all the logins seperatly? So, in my openian, they should asign a registration number for the certificate instade of asigning a user id which can be crasscheck from there database. Thanks and regards, Rohiet A. Patil - Original Message - From: Subramani L lsubram...@deccanherald.co.in To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 8:19 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways But Vhashisht, the question about our system is not how good is the technology, but how effectively we use them and how commonsensical is our policy and our bureaucracy. There will be little surprise if our authorities fail to understand the prupose of something like NUIC. Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of SC Vashishth Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:29 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers with Low Vision, but the fight should be on. There is lot of pilferage and if this could be plugged, Low vision passengers could be easily accommodated in the quota. *Ashwani,* thanks for raising a very relevant point of concessions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi etc. This demand is being pushed for a long time with no success. Lower berth can be allotted if available as that is given on first come first serve basis. *Rakesh,* there have been instances of misuse and fake certificates. So railways want to cross-check the veracity of DC (Disability Certificate) by a CC (Concession Certificate) ! May be this can be done away with once we have the electronic ID Card in place. regards, 2009/11/3 SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com No Rajesh, converting four general berth of Boggies for disabled in to a Reserved Disabled Quota was debated strongly that is why you see the the first two demands originating from that very issue. that is Increase the number of Reserved compartments to at least one reserved (72 seater) and one unreserved coach, secondly that they should not take away the existing benefits. The idea of having the boggies in the front or the rear was to ensure that people, hawkers should not disturb them in the through and through connected boggies. Secondly railways thought that it would be easy to assist them by the train Guard/Security if it is close to engine or at the rear near parcel van where generally the RPF constables are on deployed. However, keeping the boggie in the middle of the train will have its own problems. Firstly, deploying police force may not be feasible as per railway. Secondly not many people follow the rules strictly during the day and most of the coaches immediately in the centre get filled up with unwanted crowd who are often short distance travellers and never reserve their seats. Even if it is a reserved compartment, people least bother except in some trains in south India!! regards 2009/11/3 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud...@rbi.org.in Well, handicapped coach is in front or back because the same wrack plies back and forth without turning. It would be wise to position it almost in middle and interconnecting it with rest
Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways
Hello all In my opinion, there is no need for special coach in the reservation compartment. There should be at least 1 regular reservation coach having accessible toilet. The orthopedic passengers should be given preference here. Using computers this should not be difficult to organise. The unreserved coach for the disabled should not be vestibuled and should always be besides the engine. It is not a big effort to shunt this coach and bring it towards the engine end. To answer the possible question why not towards the guard? In many trains having more compartments, on some shorter platforms, it would be more difficult for the disabled to board these trains for there are no platforms really. However, towards the engine end there is always a proper platform. With regards to electronic ticket. IRCTC should register the disabled with bonafide disablity certificate. In any case, it is necessary to carry the original proof of disability while travelling. Harish Kotian. - Original Message - From: SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Demands Strategies put forth at the NationalConsultationon Issues related to Railways Dear *Vamshi,* Great to know your experience but often they insist an escort with those with physical disabilities using crutches, wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility. I have seen few instances where they insist an escort even for a blind passenger. *Amar,* the right way is to have a uniform disability certificate with necessary imprints on it with electronic data chip on the lines of Credit/Debit Card/Vehicle RC. Mr. Nandan Nilekani is working on the NUID (national unique identity card) project which will solve these problems to great extent. This card will have all details in electronic form about the identityy of the person and his entitlements. *Mukesh*, there have been several instances of misuse which needs to be checked by authorities. I am not justifying their ill actions and I agree that there is an urgent need to sensitize the public dealing/clerical staff of railway booking counters on Disability Etiquette. Yes, I agree that 3% quota of the total train space should be pushed for so that it becomes easy for the disabled and the elderly to travel with ease and comfort. That is why a full 72 seater reserved coach and one unreserved general class coach for the disabled has been demanded. *Surya Prakash*, Railways are trying hard to compensate for losses that they incur on free ships hence, they are not keen on adding the passengers with Low Vision, but the fight should be on. There is lot of pilferage and if this could be plugged, Low vision passengers could be easily accommodated in the quota. *Ashwani,* thanks for raising a very relevant point of concessions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi etc. This demand is being pushed for a long time with no success. Lower berth can be allotted if available as that is given on first come first serve basis. *Rakesh,* there have been instances of misuse and fake certificates. So railways want to cross-check the veracity of DC (Disability Certificate) by a CC (Concession Certificate) ! May be this can be done away with once we have the electronic ID Card in place. regards, 2009/11/3 SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com No Rajesh, converting four general berth of Boggies for disabled in to a Reserved Disabled Quota was debated strongly that is why you see the the first two demands originating from that very issue. that is Increase the number of Reserved compartments to at least one reserved (72 seater) and one unreserved coach, secondly that they should not take away the existing benefits. The idea of having the boggies in the front or the rear was to ensure that people, hawkers should not disturb them in the through and through connected boggies. Secondly railways thought that it would be easy to assist them by the train Guard/Security if it is close to engine or at the rear near parcel van where generally the RPF constables are on deployed. However, keeping the boggie in the middle of the train will have its own problems. Firstly, deploying police force may not be feasible as per railway. Secondly not many people follow the rules strictly during the day and most of the coaches immediately in the centre get filled up with unwanted crowd who are often short distance travellers and never reserve their seats. Even if it is a reserved compartment, people least bother except in some trains in south India!! regards 2009/11/3 Asudani, Rajesh rajeshasud...@rbi.org.in Well, handicapped coach is in front or back because the same wrack plies back and forth without turning. It would be wise to position it almost in middle and interconnecting it with rest of the train. Surprisingly, demands and strategies discussed at Chennai do not mentionethe mess created
