CH NEWS, MADIKERI
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekhar held a meeting to hear the grievances of people with disabilities and assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly.
The meeting, held at the district office, continued for more than two hours, with several participants raising issues related to pensions, education, transport, healthcare and government services. Somashekhar said such meetings should be held every three months, while similar meetings should also take place at the taluk level.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to implement welfare programmes meant for people with disabilities effectively and take up their work on priority. He said people with disabilities must be treated respectfully at government offices and should not be made to wait unnecessarily. He also stressed the need for ramps at offices and schools. If someone faces difficulty entering an office, officials should visit them and provide the required service. Aadhaar registration camps should also be organised at the taluk level, he said.
Education-related concerns were also discussed. Veena Changappa of Kodagu Vidyalaya requested that students with disabilities appearing for SSLC examinations be allowed to write their exams at nearby centres. Special Needs Officer Vimala said special schools are functioning in Madikeri, Shanivarasante, Suntikoppa and Palibetta, with 276 students attending from their homes. She said coordination with education officials would be strengthened to support students appearing for SSLC and Second PUC examinations. Government benefits, including identity cards, three-wheelers and health services, were also highlighted.
Several participants raised concerns about delayed pensions, transport and housing. District president B.M. Thirumalesh said pensions for some beneficiaries had been stopped for four months due to the income limit. Somashekhar said steps were being taken to increase the limit and address the issue. Others sought priority treatment at hospitals, housing assistance and better access to reserved bus seats. Officials from health, transport, education and other departments explained available schemes. Rehabilitation centres in Kushalnagar and Madikeri were also highlighted for providing physiotherapy. The meeting ended with assurances that unresolved grievances would be followed up, giving participants hope for quicker and more humane public services.
