Protest by Differently-Abled Individuals in Guwahati Over Pension Scheme Discontinuation

In Guwahati, a significant protest led by differently-abled individuals highlighted their grievances against the State Government's discontinuation of the monthly pension scheme. Organized by Pratibandhi Suraksha Sanstha, the demonstrators accused the government of neglecting their constitutional rights and failing to address critical issues such as job vacancies and financial support. They demanded the reinstatement of the pension scheme, filling of backlog positions, and better housing facilities. The protest culminated in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister's office, emphasizing the urgent need for government action. The All Assam Blind Students’ Union also criticized the government's lack of genuine commitment to addressing the needs of differently-abled individuals.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 11:47 IST

Protest Against Government Policies

Guwahati, Dec 4: A significant number of differently-abled individuals, organized by Pratibandhi Suraksha Sanstha, protested outside Janata Bhawan on Wednesday, boycotting the event for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities hosted by the State Government.

The protesters claimed that their constitutional rights have been overlooked by the State Government.

Nripen Malakar, the Secretary of the Sanstha, stated that individuals with disabilities in Assam are encountering numerous challenges due to the discontinuation of the monthly pension scheme by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led administration.

“According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the State Government to provide a monthly pension to every disabled individual. However, the Assam government has failed to fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the government has not addressed the backlog of job vacancies, leading to further difficulties for persons with disabilities in Assam,” Malakar expressed.

Malakar further noted that in 2023, the State Government opted to terminate the pension scheme and transitioned all beneficiaries to the Orunodoi scheme.

However, for the past four months, beneficiaries with disabilities have not received any payments under the Orunodoi scheme.

During the protest, the participants called for the reinstatement of the pension scheme, the filling of backlog job positions, the provincialization of the Blind Higher Secondary School, and the provision of housing facilities for all differently-abled individuals in Assam.

Following the demonstration, the protesters submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to the Chief Minister's office via the Dispur revenue circle officer.

In a related matter, the All Assam Blind Students’ Union criticized the State Government for its lack of responsiveness to the concerns of differently-abled individuals. The union accused the government of organizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event annually merely for publicity and photo opportunities.