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In the backdrop of repeated complaints from the disabled against the KSRTC bus conductors and drivers about their misbehaviour in the bus, the Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav has directed the KSRTC officers to hold training programme to sensitise their employees. 

 
At a meeting with the disabled and the NGO’s held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, Deputy Commissioner in person received a complaint from epileptic Guruvappa from Mambady who alleged that the KSRTC bus conductor and other staff had bashed him few months back for no fault of his.

When the DC enquired the KSRTC official about the action taken in this regard, he learnt that no action was taken so far. The DC immediately asked the officer to take action against those involved in the misbehaviour. “The KSRTC employees need a lesson or two about the behaviour when on duty. Hence awareness programmes should be conducted for all the employees in the respective depots,” he said. The DC urged the KSRTC officials to make arrangements to issue pass for disabled in the taluk headquarters itself. At present, they have to travel all the way to Mangalore to avail the bus pass.

Delay in pension

The disabled and the District Association for Disabled members complained to the DC about the delay in receiving monthly pension.  Responding to their complaint, the DC said: “There is clear cut order from the government to distribute pension within three months of submitting the application. As per the documents, there are no pending cases. If at all there is any delay then we will hold an enquiry,” he promised.

No psychiatrist

Parivarthana Seva Trust MD Akshay Alva informed that despite the district having several mentally ill patients, the district hospital does not have a psychiatrist. Responding to him, the District Health Officer Srirangappa said “the government is aware of the vacancy for the post of psychiatrist in the district hospital, but it has not recruited any one for the last  several years. Currently, a retired psychiatrist visits the hospital and checks the patients.”

Seon Ashram’s plea

Belthangady taluk’s Seon Ashram (for mentally and physically challenged) Director Moras T J informed the DC that as many as 179 pension applications of Seon Ashram inmates have been pending and the issue has not been addressed so far.

In turn the Deputy Commissioner said, as the inmates are from outside the district and do not have valid address, the pension was not sanctioned to the inmates.

“This case is quite different where the Ashram is applying for the pension on be half of its inmates. The rule is that the disabled themselves should apply for pension with the address proof and the rule can’t be violated. So we will look for some alternative,” he said.

Disabled and the organisations urged the Deputy Commissioner to hold the meeting regularly once in three months.