Berhampur: Regardless of the Centre putting an end to the VIP culture by removing red beacons fixed atop the vehicles of bureaucrats and ministers; the malaise still remains in the minds of some officials who still flaunt their ‘Emblem of Power’.
In a bizarre incident, Berhampur Sub-Collector Diganta Routray was seen, in the comfort of his chair so much so; that he didn’t get up or come near the physically-disabled persons visiting his office to submit their memorandum of demands.
He appeared to have forgotten his values or at least walked out of being humane. The differently-abled visitors stretched their hands to handover their charter of demands, while the ‘Babu’ silently sat poised. The incident has triggered resentment among the disabled community in the town.
According to reports, ‘Mukta Akash’ is a foundation which works for public welfare. Some members of the foundation went to the sub-collector’s office travelling on their hand-driven tricycles. They had earlier decided to submit a memorandum of demands to the sub-collector addressed to the Chief Minister’s Office.
‘Mukta Akash’ foundation president, Niranjan Badatya, Secretary Kanha Mohapatra and Treasurer Narasingha Gouda arrived at the sub-collector’s office and found Routray absent from the office. Hence, they decided to submit the same to the additional sub-collector. However, Routray reached office in the same time following which they went to his cabin.
While Routray was comfortably glued to his chair displaying his kinship towards the sanctioned furniture, the physically-challenged persons stood at the other end of the table and struggled to submit the memorandum. This act of Routray has drawn flak and is being condemned by various quarters.
Reportedly, ‘Mukta Akash’ foundation has submitted 10-point charter of demands to the sub-collector which is addressed to the Chief Minister.
The 10-point charter of demands included hike of pension to Rs 2,000 from Rs 300 under Madhubabu Pension Yojana.
Better quality of equipments provided to person with disabilities.
Increase of reservation in government jobs from four percent to 10 percent.
Reservation in elections, health insurance facility, preference under Shramika Kalyan Yojana.
Hike of marriage incentive from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
Free education and house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.
It is worth mentioning here that International Day of Disabled Persons 2018 was celebrated December 3.
PNN
