Chennai: It was a victory after four and a half years. Twenty one families, all persons affected by leprosy in Salem district, fought red-tape and got back their ration cards which were cancelled because of the negligence of government officials.
The victims conducted several protests with grit and determination and won their rights just before New Year 2014. “2014 dawns with a victory for us. We got our ration cards,” says year old Selvam, one of the protesters.
Explaining the struggle of these families S.Namburajan, state secretary of TARATDAC (Tamil Nadu Association for All Types of Disabled and Care-givers), the association that stood with the persons affected by leprosy said, “Since leprosy-affected persons are considered disabled, they are given monthly pensions by state government. An official in the district civil supplies department cancelled their ration cards saying that they were not eligible to have ration cards as they receive pensions, this despite there being no such guideline.” He added that though the victims represented their grievances to the civil supplies official, he did not bother to return their cards.
Families of those persons affected by leprosy were unable to receive foodgrains from the ration stores without their cards. They were forced to spend their pension of Rs 1, 000 for grains.
They raised this issue with the district administration, submitting many petitions. As there was no response, they sought the help of TARATDAC.
With TARATDAC volunteers, persons affected by leprosy started a protest recently in front of the collector’s office.
“The collector heard the complaint and promised to provide ration cards. Officials in the civil supplies department were asked to arrange for issue of new ration cards immediately,” Namburajan told DC.
