Govt turns insensitive to disabled

New Delhi, Aug 14: As India gets ready to celebrate 64th Independence Day, a group of blind students are fighting for a place to live in the national capital.

On Jul 26, the students who had been living in a building in Virender Nagar in West Delhi were sent off by the Delhi Development Authority officials because the hostel was built illegally.

However, what added more insults to the disabled were the comments passed by one of the officers. When they asked for a court order, the officials said, what's the point? You are blind. How will you read?" says Brahm Singh Nagar, one of the students.

In 2002 the then local area councilor Onkar Singh Thapar had given the building to the Slums Development Authority in an act of charity.

"I helped them on humanitarian grounds. I have done it and if the government wants to take some action, then I am ready to face the consequences," says Onkar Singh Thapar.

The living condition of the 30 students is worse than one can imagine. Reports say their exams are approaching but all their books and belongings are locked up. To sleep, they have to climb the roof and risk their lives.

OneIndia News