MANGALORE, Apr 27 (The Hindu): A.C. Rai, president of the All India Banks' Physically Handicapped Employees' Welfare Federation, took exception to what he termed failure of Ministers to attend the inauguration of the south India conference of the people with disabilities here on Sunday.

Chief Minster B.S. Yeddyurappa, Transport Minister R. Ashok, Tourism Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy and former Minister Shobha Karandlaje were expected to attend.

Mr. Rai said, “The date for this programme had been fixed two months in advance after consultations with the Chief Minister's office. We know that he is a busy person, but how is it that he finds time to attend other petty events where there is greater political gain?” He said that he had invited R. Ashok so that he could hear the grievances of the people with disabilities pertaining to the special bus pass.“The Congress and the Janata Dal (S) did not do much for the people with disabilities when they were in power. Even the BJP appears to be no better,” he said.

Minister's rejoinder

Minister for Women and Child Development, P.M. Narendraswamy, however, termed Mr. Rai's criticism “uncharitable comments”. He said, none of previous Governments in the State had done as much for the people with disabilities as the BJP government had done. Calling on the leaders of the federation to be more “grateful” for what they already have he said, “You are all bank employees and earn a respectable salary. If you have so many grouses, imagine the condition of those who are jobless.”

The Government had a slew of measures for the uplift of the people with disabilities, he said and added that he was not supposed to mention them owing to election code of conduct. “I promise you that in one month's time, we will announce projects that will bring much joy to you,” he said. In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through Mr. Narendraswamy, the federation demanded that a 3 per cent fund be set aside in each government department for the welfare of people with disabilities.

The backlog vacancies reserved for people with disabilities should be filled up immediately. The rule that stipulates that people with disabilities can travel only up to 100 kms with the “Disability bus pass” should be scrapped and they should be allowed to travel any distance with those passes. Those with over 90 per cent disability should be allowed to travel free of cost in Government-owned transport. One MLC should be elected from among the people with disabilities, it said.