That social, economical upliftment of the persons with disabilities is one of the major policy objective of the Central Government and government has given various incentives for persons with disabilities. Vide notification dated 01.01.1996, the Government has notified guidelines for equal opportunities to the persons with disabilities. United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (61st Session held in December, 2006) also stresses the protection of the rights of these persons to just and favorable conditions of work and safe and healthy working conditions. Provisions for the benefit of persons with disabilities are, therefore, “ not only justified but also mandatory “(6th Central Pay Commission Chapter 4.8.4).
The 6th Central Pay Commission in its report chapter 4.8 has elaborately given the types of disable persons, facilities currently available to them (Chapter 4.8.2) and has given further recommendation (4.8.5) to alleviate the problems of persons with disabilities .
That in line with the above recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission I, Sri. Bhaskar Bhattacharjee, working as Clerk Gr. II under Sr. Divisional Engineer (Co-ordn)/Divisional Railway Manager’s office, Eastern Railway, Asansol Division and suffering from hearing impairment (B/E) since his childhood (presently 80%) applied for Higher Grade Transport allowance at double the normal rate (Plus applicable DA) subject to a minimum Rs. 1000 per month as per 6th Central Pay Commission chapter 4.8.2 (iv) & 4.8.5 (vii) on 18.03.09. Presently he is getting transport allowance at normal rate only. I got the job in Railway in hearing Handicapped quota. The appeal of my son was turned down by Sr. Divisional Personnel Officer, Eastern Railway, Asansol Division stating only Blind and Orthopodically Handicapped persons shall drawn the above allowance.
That this discrimination towards other category (other than Blind and Orthopedic) handicapped persons is a clear violation of the norms taken by 6th Central Pay Commission, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Government of India. They are also been denied with the other facilities currently been available, like transport allowance at double the normal rate etc. They after treated like normal category staff and even occasionally booked on election duty at faraway places.
As recommended by 6th Central Pay Commission there should be a proper grievance redressal machinery for looking into the interest and welfare of persons with disability in every office.
As such I fervently hope that reasonableness of the demand would be appreciated and earnestly request your honour to give a sympathetic consideration in favour of all the handicapped employees so that they can reap the benefit of the benevolent attitude taken by the 6th Central Pay Commission and other Government Bodies.
