Aurangabad: No wheelchairs for 'divyang' passengers in MSRTC buses

AURANGABAD: The Maharashtra State Road Transportation Corporation ( MSRTC ) has allegedly disowned the responsibility of showing compliance with the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 as they failed to provide wheelchairs for ‘divyang’ passengers in their buses. Instead, the state transportation agency has sought the help of charity groups for the same.

In a letter issued to all divisional authorities, the MSRTC top-brass has asked for making a necessary approach to the charity groups such as Indian Red Cross Society, Lions Club and Rotary Club for arranging wheelchairs at prominent bus stations. The letter, dated September 7, also asks for submitting the Action Taken Report within a period of 15 days.

“The wheel-chairs are provided at airport and railway stations in keeping with the enabling provisions of the law for the benefit of ‘Divyang’ passengers. We have received instructions for facilitating similar arrangement at bus stands,” the letter written by MSRTC general manager (traffic), reads.

Activist Shivaji Gade, who leads ‘Prahar’ advocacy group for ‘Divyang’ people in the Aurangabad region, said it was wrong on the part of MSRTC to seek help of charity groups for providing wheelchairs at bus stations. “The MSRTC has clearly disowned the compliance responsibility with the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995. Instead of taking proactive measures on its own, the state transportation agency is shrugging of its responsibility,” he said.

MSRTC divisional manager Ranjit Singh Deol could not be reached for his comment. A senior MSRTC official said the state transportation said, “We are hopeful that charity groups will render necessary help. If no desired response comes, we will take needed measures,” he said, preferring anonymity.