Chennai: The disabled welfare officer in Kancheepuram has agreed to provide a three-wheeler scooter to diÂsabled electrician Devarajan (38), who was denied it a week ago by the officer, citing guidelines.
After DC reported the indifferenÂce shown by the department in reÂfÂusing the vehicle, despite appÂroÂval by MP T.K. Rangarajan, the ofÂficer said his application has beÂen processed and the vehicle woÂuÂld be provided shortly.
In May 2011, Devarajan met with an accident and lost his left leg. He needs a three-wheeler to be able to get back to work to take care of his family. MP RanÂgarajan sanctioned funds from MPLADS (Member of ParlÂiament Local Area Development Scheme) for a three-wheeler vehicle to be issued by the district disabled welfare officer.
S. Namburajan of TARATDAC, a voluntary organisation for disabled persons, who stood with Devarajan in the fight to get the scooter, said, “The official refuÂsÂed to approve the scooter saying that there was a guideline under wÂhich a three-wheeler vehicle woÂuld be given only to disabled persons who have lost both legs; peÂrsons with one leg would not be given a three-wheeler. But now the official told us that the scooter would be given to Devarajan shÂortly.”
DC reported the plight of DeÂvÂarÂaÂjan who was unable to travel witÂhout a personal vehicle and how the guideline prevents a deserving person from receiving a three-wheeler. Rangarajan responded that he would take up the issue with the Vice-President of India.
Just after a week of DC’s news report, the Kancheepuram district disabled welfare officer has agreed to provide the three-wheeler to Devarajan.
Thanking DC, Devarajan said movingly, “I am glad that DC carried a news report about the inappropriate guideline and helped me get a scooter. A three-wheeler scooter will make a big difference to my life. I had been running from pillar to post for the last eight months to get this vehicle.”
