Namaste Honourable Prime Minister,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a citizen deeply invested in the vision of a Viksit Bharat, I am compelled to write to you to share some critical concerns and suggestions that could significantly enhance the inclusivity and development of our nation. This letter comes from the perspective of a physically challenged individual who faces numerous challenges in daily life that often go unnoticed.
India has made commendable progress under your leadership, with numerous schemes launched for various communities, including people with disabilities. However, despite these efforts, significant barriers remain for wheelchair-bound individuals. These challenges impede our ability to access essential services such as government schools, colleges, universities, banks, post offices, telephone offices, ATM booths, clinics, shops, and even public washrooms. The primary obstacles are physical barriers like stairs and narrow entrances, which make it extremely difficult for wheelchair users to navigate these spaces independently.
One of the most pressing issues I face is the inaccessibility of educational institutions. Although seats are reserved for disabled students in schools, colleges, and universities, the infrastructure often fails to accommodate our needs. As a result, I have never been able to attend regular classes and have had to rely on private tutors and distance learning courses to continue my education. This lack of accessibility not only hampers our educational progress but also affects our social development and integration into mainstream society.
For instance, despite my eagerness to participate fully in the educational system, I have faced insurmountable barriers. The absence of ramps and elevators in schools and universities means that attending classes in person is not an option for me. This exclusion from the traditional classroom environment has far-reaching implications, affecting not only my academic performance but also my ability to form social connections and participate in extracurricular activities.
Moreover, these barriers extend beyond educational institutions. Accessing government services, which are vital for day-to-day living, presents significant challenges. The process of obtaining my Aadhaar card, linking it with my mobile number, and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 were fraught with difficulties. The infrastructure at these service points is often not designed with wheelchair users in mind, leading to unnecessary hardships.
Healthcare Access and Insurance
Another critical area of concern is healthcare. Although I have a state government health card, it is not accepted in private and some government hospitals. This limitation severely restricts my access to necessary medical services. Furthermore, private health insurance companies do not provide Mediclaim for disabled individuals, leaving us without adequate health coverage. This disparity in healthcare access is a significant issue that needs urgent attention.
Ensuring that health insurance companies provide equal coverage for disabled individuals is crucial. Without health insurance, many of us face financial hardships when seeking medical treatment. This lack of coverage not only affects our physical health but also our mental well-being, as the stress of potential medical expenses looms large.
Employment Challenges and Age Discrimination
Employment is another domain where disabled individuals face significant barriers. Despite graduating with a degree in Accountancy (Hons) with 68% marks and completing my post-graduation in 2010, I have been unable to secure stable employment. My basic computer knowledge and self-taught fine art skills have not been enough to overcome the systemic barriers in the job market.
In 2013, I registered with the employment exchange and received an interview letter from the Government of India. However, I received this letter after the interview date had passed. Since then, I have not received any further interview calls. Many workshops and programs are conducted for disabled employment, but they often have age limits, excluding individuals like me who are above 40.
The lack of employment opportunities for disabled individuals above a certain age is a significant issue. Age should not be a barrier to employment, especially when many of us possess valuable skills and experience. Introducing a scheme that allows disabled individuals to work from home, irrespective of age, would be a monumental step towards inclusivity. This would not only provide us with financial independence but also a sense of purpose and contribution to society.
Recommendations for a More Inclusive India
To address these issues, I humbly request the following measures:
1. Mandatory Ramps and Accessible Infrastructure:
Implement and enforce regulations that require ramps and other accessibility features in all public buildings, including government offices, educational institutions, banks, and healthcare facilities. This will ensure that wheelchair users can access these services independently and with dignity.
2. Inclusive Educational Policies:
Revise educational policies to ensure that all schools, colleges, and universities are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to accommodate disabled students. This includes not only physical accessibility but also the provision of assistive technologies and learning materials.
3. Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage:
Mandate that all health insurance companies provide equal coverage for disabled individuals. This should include coverage for pre-existing conditions and necessary medical treatments, ensuring that we have access to the same healthcare services as the general public.
4. Employment Opportunities for All Ages:
Introduce schemes that provide employment opportunities for disabled individuals above the age of 40. This could include work-from-home options, freelance opportunities, and positions in various sectors that can leverage our skills and experiences.
5. Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns:
Conduct nationwide awareness and sensitization campaigns to educate the public and private sectors about the needs and capabilities of disabled individuals. This will help in reducing stigma and promoting a more inclusive mindset.
6. Regular Feedback Mechanisms:
Establish regular feedback mechanisms where disabled individuals can voice their concerns and suggestions. This will ensure that policies and schemes are continually refined and improved based on real-world experiences.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a truly developed and inclusive India is one where every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services. As a physically challenged individual, I am committed to contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat. I hope my suggestions will be considered and implemented, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Indians.
Your leadership has already brought about significant changes in our country, and I am confident that with your support, we can address these critical issues and make India a model of inclusivity and development.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jai Hind.
Sincerely,
Ruparna Mondal.