Himachal: Visually impaired protesters block roads in Shimla, demand backlog quota appointments

ANI April 7, 2025 124 views

Visually impaired protesters in Himachal Pradesh have escalated their long-standing agitation by blocking roads near the state secretariat in Shimla. Led by Rajesh Thakur, the group is demanding the filling of over 1,100 government job vacancies reserved for visually impaired individuals. The protesters have been demonstrating for 535 days and are now threatening an indefinite hunger strike if their constitutional rights are not addressed. Their persistent action highlights the systematic neglect of disability employment rights in the state.

"We are fighting for our future, for dignity, and for what is rightfully ours." - Rajesh Thakur, State Secretary
Shimla, April 7: Members of the Himachal Pradesh Visually Impaired Association staged a massive chakka jam (road blockade) outside the state Secretariat in Shimla on Monday, intensifying their 535-day-long protest demanding the filling of backlog government job vacancies reserved for the visually impaired.

Key Points

1

Protesters blocked state secretariat gates demanding job quota appointments

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Over 1,100 reserved positions remain unfilled across departments

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Visually impaired group threatens indefinite hunger strike if demands unmet

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Constitutional rights for disabled persons being systematically ignored

The protesters, who had previously camped near the Kalibari Temple in Shimla for over a year, shifted their agitation to the gates of the State's power centre, accusing the government of deliberate inaction and neglect.

Rajesh Thakur, State Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Visually Impaired Association, said this was the 10th time they had resorted to blocking roads.

"Whenever we try to meet officials, be it directors or secretaries, they treat us with indifference. When we talk about filing the backlog, the officials from the 2018 batch claim ignorance. This backlog is our right, guaranteed under the Constitution and the 2016 Act for Persons with Disabilities," he stated.

Thakur revealed that over 1,100 positions across various departments remain unfilled despite being legally reserved for the visually impaired.

"Even if the government fills 500 posts, a backlog of 600 will still remain. This is not a favour, they are our rightful opportunities. We are only asking for our constitutional right. Over 1,100 posts are vacant, and yet the government continues to ignore us. Until they come to ground zero, our chakka jam will continue, said Rajesh Thakur.

According to Thakur, multiple meetings have been held over the past year and a half with the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister, and the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, but they have failed to yield any tangible results.

"We've tried dialogue. Now our only option is public protest. Until Minister Dhaniram Shandil either meets us or announces an action plan, our road blockade will continue. Let them come to ground zero," he said.

The protesters have now declared that if their demands are not met by Tuesday, they will launch an indefinite hunger strike and intensify their agitation further.

"People from Delhi and Haryana are joining us. If there is no action, we will sit on a hunger strike from tomorrow. We'll block roads because we have no other choice left," said Thakur.

Thakur said that the Shimla SP has assured the protesters that their concerns will be raised at higher levels. However, the group remains firm in its stance: they will only withdraw the blockade if their demands are seriously addressed.

"We are fighting for our future, for dignity, and for what is rightfully ours. The government must wake up and act before it's too late," Thakur warned.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 535 days of protest is way too long for something that should be a basic right. The government needs to act immediately!
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Rahul S.
While I support their cause, blocking roads affects everyone. There must be better ways to protest that don't inconvenience the public. The government should initiate talks ASAP.
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Anjali M.
How can 1,100 positions just remain vacant when qualified people are waiting? This is pure negligence. My heart goes out to these protesters - stay strong! ✊
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Vikram J.
The 2016 Act was supposed to change things, but looks like implementation is still a joke. Government officials ignoring them is shameful. When will we learn to treat all citizens equally?
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Sunita P.
I walked past the protest today. Their determination is inspiring. The government should be embarrassed that people have to go to such lengths for their constitutional rights.
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Amit R.
The backlog quota system needs complete reform. While I support filling these positions, we also need to ensure the hiring process is efficient so people don't have to wait years for what's rightfully theirs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Himachal Pradesh Visually Impaired Protest Job Quota Disability Rights Rajesh Thakur Shimla Protest
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