News in Brief

Eye for the Blind

Researchers at the Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO) have invented an eye that can read for the visually impaired. This machine will for the first time in the history of science use the 'hand held step scanning' mechanism, which will easily read out English text to the user. However, it is expected that soon the machine will be able to read other language scripts as well.

Source: Dristhin ke padhne ke liye aankh viksit. Rashtriya Sahara. New Delhi. & August, 2006

Top

Special coaches for the Physically Handicapped

The Railway Ministry has now a special gift to offer to the disabled citizens. Special Coaches for the physically handicapped are being planned for their exclusive use. There will be special arrangements for boarding and alighting from the train.

The seats will be broader, the spacing in the compartment is being planned in such a way so as to accommodate their wheelchairs etc. The toilets will also be made keeping their handicap in mind. Special arrangements will be made for the disabled on the platforms as well.

Source: Vilangon Ke Liya Traino Mein Lagegi Vishesh Bogie. Dainik Jagran. New Delhi. 6 August, 2006

Top

Striking Disabled rise in anger

Agitating for the last 12 days under the banner of the Rashtriya Viklang Party, the patience of physically handicapped finally crossed the tolerance threshold on August 7 when the condition of their chairman K K Dikshit who has been on a hunger strike for the past 12 days, worsened. They demonstrated and expressed their anger by stoning the traffic at Jantar-Mantar causing a massive traffic jam.

The police force that was deployed to calm them was also victim to their pent-up wrath. The situation could be controlled only after the intervention of the state. A meeting has been arranged between the Party leaders and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The agitators are demanding an increase in the reserved seats in employment for persons with disabilities from 3 to 10%.

Source: Viklangon ka Arakshan Sadak Par, Rajasthan Patrika. Jaipur. 8 August 2006

Top