International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Differently abled PGI employees burn effigy, protest against discrimination

The employees alleged that promotions due under reservation for persons with disabilities have been kept pending for years. Several departments, including the Public Health and Engineering Department, College of Nursing, Drug De-addiction Centre, and the Library, still lack accessible infrastructure, including lifts, making daily work difficult for disabled staff.
The union stated that while all other unions and associations of PGI campus have designated office spaces, the differently abled employees’ union has not been allotted any such space. Even the parking area earmarked for disabled employees is frequently occupied by other staff, with security personnel unaware of the issue.

The employees also pointed out the absence of sensitisation programmes for officials, leading to frequent instances of insensitive behaviour. They said that decisions taken in meetings regarding disability-related issues are rarely implemented, leaving their problems unresolved.
Accusing the administration of creating attitudinal barriers and ignoring repeated appeals, the union said they were left with no option but to take their protest to the streets. The employees declared that their struggle will continue until all rights, benefits, and facilities — mandated by law — are fully ensured.