NGOs for disabled people meet Railway Minister
CHENNAI, Sept 30: Representatives of 17 organisations working among the disabled in the country, on Wednesday met the Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi to draw attention to the problems faced by people with reduced mobility and disability, while travelling in the Indian Railways.

The delegation also demanded extension of e–booking facility for disabled people and extension of concessions on tickets to all those categorised as disabled people in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. They also demanded that concessions be provided in local and passenger trains as well in long distance trains.

The members of the delegation pointed out that 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. They demanded that the Railways set up a task force on access and go in for universal design. They also demanded that battery operated cars now provided at some stations be made available at all major stations and platforms.

For the past many years the railways have not made recruitment to fill the three per cent quota for disabled persons mandated by the PwD Act. In the matter of promotions also, despite court orders, reservation in promotions is not being implemented.The Minister gave a patient hearing and assured the delegation to consider their demands.