The National Handicapped Network and Bihar Handicapped Rights Forum, in a joint effort, staged a demonstration in Patna on Monday to press for their 21-point demands by taking out a rally from Patna radio station to the District Magistrate's office near Gandhi Maidan.
A charter of demands were handed over to Dr. B. Rajendra, Patna District Magistrate, that asked for 3% reservation for the physically challenged people of Bihar, a formation of a commission to look into the interests of the handicapped, and issuance of certificates of handicaps by setting up camps at block level, among others.
Addressing the rally, protestors said the state government needed to take a hard look at those who were physically handicapped but mentally as fit as anyone to do any kind of job. They also lamented the slow implementation of several handicapped-related laws and rules saying there was a dire need to look into these issues and many others affecting physically-challenged men and women of all ages.
Source:www.patnadaily.com, 9th Oct,2007
