In a widespread protest across Jammu and Kashmir, persons with disabilities (PWDs) expressed their frustration over the non-implementation of key legislation, including the Disability Act 2016 and the National Trust Act 1999. Demonstrations took place in various districts, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam, and Kupwara, where protesters criticized IAS officers selected under disability quotas who do not have disabilities themselves. They demanded that officials handling disability matters have a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by PWDs.
Key issues raised included the lack of reservation in promotions, inadequate posting of disabled employees close to their homes, and non-enforcement of rules protecting caregivers from distant transfers. Protesters also accused recruitment agencies JKPSC and JKSSB of accepting dubious disability certificates and criticized fragmented job postings designed to bypass disability reservations. They called for extending age relaxation for recruitment from 42 to 48 years.
The severe economic hardship faced by many PWDs, especially those reliant on the ISSS pension, was also highlighted, with demands for an increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000 per month to cover essential expenses. The Social Welfare Department was criticized for inefficiency, delays in disbursing arrears, and poor accessibility improvements, with accusations of mismanagement and corruption, particularly in the misuse of funds for the Accessible India campaign.
Protesters also condemned the inaction of J&K parliamentarians on disability issues and called for political reservation for PWDs. They demanded the immediate transfer of the current Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and the appointment of a new Disability Commissioner, vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.