DCW notice to Delhi transport department over refusal to sell vehicle to disabled girl
New Delhi(PTI): The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has issued a notice to the city government's Transport Department over alleged refusal by a car dealer to sell a large commercial vehicle which can be modified to fit in a wheelchair to a specially abled girl for personal use.
The panel said it has received a representation from the differently abled girl regarding purchasing a modified vehicle for persons with disability.
She has submitted that she is suffering from intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and has restricted mobility. She has stated that she wants to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle in which she will install a manual/hydraulic ramp to improve its accessibility. However, the car dealer is refusing to sell her the vehicle for private use stating that it is of a large size and the government allows its sale only for commercial purpose, the panel said.
She has informed that the vehicle is spacious enough to accommodate her motorised wheelchair and there is no other option available in the market for her specific usage. She has requested that approval be given to her to purchase the vehicle for her personal use. Also, she has sought approval for modifying the vehicle into a disabled friendly vehicle by installing a hydraulic lift and other allied features.
DCW chief Swati Maliwal visited the girl at her residence and interacted with her and her family.
During the interaction, she informed that she has already submitted a request to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and her request has been transferred to the Department of Transport, Delhi. Maliwal has recommended to the Transport Department that the request of the girl be taken up on priority and approved urgently.
Further, the Commission has asked the transport department to provide a timeline for granting her the requisite approvals. The Commission has also asked as to what steps have been taken by the department to streamline and ease the process for other such applicants.
It has sought details of guidelines issued by the department to car sellers in this regard. It has also sought the details of steps taken by the department to list such approvals under the flagship scheme of doorstep delivery of services of the Delhi government so that persons with disability are not forced to run around for the same.
The department has been asked to provide an action taken report by October 26.
काजल से मिलने उसके घर गयी। ज़िंदगी जीना कोई उससे सीखे। वो Tata Winger गाड़ी ख़रीद उसमें लिफ़्ट लगवाके wheelchair के साथ गाड़ी में बैठकर दुनिया घूमना चाहती है। पर ट्रांसपोर्ट विभाग उसे गाड़ी ख़रीदने की अनुमति नहीं दे रहा! आज़ादी से घूमना उसक अधिकार है, हमने नोटिस जारी किया है। pic.twitter.com/pT452KECaJ
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) October 18, 2022
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
