STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Pratibandi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam (PSSA) expressed concern over the deferment of the launching of the 'Mukhya Mantri Divyangjan Atma-NirbharAchoni' under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) at the last moment.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was supposed to launch the Scheme on Thursday in consonance with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities that is observed on December 3 every year. Advertisements regarding the launch of the scheme were also published, but the launching had to be deferred for an indefinite time due to an 'unavoidable situation'.
In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, PSSA secretary Nripen Malakar said, "The deferment on the part of the Chief Minister is an example of neglecting persons with disabilities. However, Prime Minister NarendraModi did assure that equal rights would be ensured for all, soon after coming to power."
Under the PSSA around 700 persons with disabilities took out a procession around Dighalipukhuri on Thursday against, what they said, deception to them by the State government.
After the procession, Malakar said, "The State government has all along been depriving divyangs from their legitimate rights."