Divyang Cell of Uttar Pradesh Congress stages protest outside Assembly demanding rights and facilities

Office bearers of the Divyang (specially-abled) Cell of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee staged a powerful protest outside the state Assembly on Wednesday, lying down on the road to demonstrate against the alleged neglect of their rights and demands by the state government.

The protestors accused the government of continuously ignoring the voices of persons with disabilities. As police arrived on the scene and tried to pacify the demonstrators, tensions escalated. The protestors refused to move and raised slogans against the government, resulting in a scuffle with the police. Eventually, the police forcibly removed them and transported them to Eco Garden Park, where they were released.

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The Divyang demonstrators vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. They said they were being denied equal rights and basic amenities. Their key demands include reservation in government jobs, prioritisation in education and healthcare services, and improved accessibility in public spaces.

Arvind Singh, a protestor from Kanpur, said that they have been raising their 26-point charter of demands for a long time, but have not been heard. “Give us our appointment letters for the Lekhpal recruitment. Implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,” he said.

Mohammad Zubair, another protestor, added, “We have been fighting for our rights for years, but no one is listening. The disability pension should be increased to Rs 3,000 per month. We want real facilities, not just symbolic changes. Changing our name from ‘Viklang’ to ‘Divyang’ has made no difference in our lives.”

The protestors called for urgent action from the government, stating that their struggle would continue until their rightful demands were fulfilled.