Express Buzz; Tasneem Zavery; 28 Dec 2010,
BANGALORE: Likhitha, a class nine student of Kendriya Vidyalaya MEGBangalore, was in a dilemma about how to obtain a physical disablilty certificate. She did not know how to apply but needed the certificate for concessions in travel and education. Likhitha approached the Right to Information centre, run by some activists to help people file RTI applications.
One of the activists at the centre, who did not want to be named, filed the RTI on her behalf as she was a minor and could not apply on her own.
"We wanted to help her, especially because information can help the physically disabled people, to acquire certificates that would benefit them," said the person.
"This RTI is an essential document for people who want to avail various benefits by getting a certificate."
For concession on Railways, one needs a certificate from a government doctor. This enables a physically disabled person to travel on any train in India with an escort and get 75 per cent concession for both the persons.
According to the RTI reply received by Likhitha, the physicallydisabled people in the city have to approah a medical board at The Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Victoria Hospital.
The board comprises three heads of departments of orthopaedic, medicine and ENT, and the hospital medical superintendent is the chairman of the board.
It examines the applicant and isses a certificate that has to be then registered with the Department of Women and Child Welfare.
The candidates have to produce three passport size photographs, address proof and the hospital OPD card.
Also, the certificate is issued free of cost.
The person also said such a certificate ensures benefits like including three per cent reservation in all educational institutes, 75 per cent concession in public transport, a pension of `400 per month for persons with 40 to 75 per cent disability and a pension of `1,000 per month for persons with more than 75 per cent disability.
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