Dang Divyang Protest Rally: Disabled Community Storms Collector Office, Threatens ‘Rasta Roko’ Over Pending Demands Since 2021
A powerful wave of unrest swept through the tribal heartland of the Dang district on Monday. The streets of the district headquarters, Ahwa, witnessed a unique and stirring spectacle as the disabled (Divyang) community, a section often struggling for inclusivity, sounded the bugle for their rights.
Led by social activists and political leaders, the Dang Divyang Protest Rally marched to the Collector’s Office, echoing with slogans of justice. Frustrated by the lack of resolution to their pending issues since 2021, the protesters displayed immense anger and resentment.
Under the banner of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the collective voice of the disabled community issued a stern ultimatum to the administration: fulfill our demands immediately, or face a fierce “Rasta Roko” (Road Blockade) agitation in the coming days.
Marching for Constitutional Rights
The rally was spearheaded by Maheshbhai Ahir, the Dang District President of the BSP. A large number of differently-abled brothers and sisters, supported by social workers, gathered in Ahwa to make their presence felt. Holding banners and placards, they transformed their physical challenges into a show of strength and unity.
The procession wound its way through the main roads of the town before culminating at the District Seva Sadan (Collector Office). The primary objective was not just to protest but to assert the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
In the memorandum submitted to the District Collector, the leaders explicitly cited Articles 19(1)(A) and 19(1)(B) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of speech and expression. The protesters expressed a deep sense of betrayal, stating that in the Dang district, these constitutional rights are being openly violated when it comes to the disabled community. Forced by circumstances, they had no choice but to take to the streets to be heard in this democracy.
Seeking Accountability for 5 Years of Silence
The core of the Dang Divyang Protest Rally is the administration’s apathy. The protesters raised pointed questions regarding the status of their applications.
“We have been submitting representations and demands continuously since 2021,” stated the leaders. “It is now 2026. Five years have passed, yet there is zero improvement in our condition.”
They demanded accountability: On whose table are the files gathering dust? Why are applications from the disabled community stalled when government rules mandate timely disposal? This rally served as a clear message that the administrative lethargy (“Laliyavadi”) will no longer be tolerated.
Housing, Land, and BPL Score: The Core Demands
The demands put forth are not luxuries but basic necessities for a dignified life. The memorandum highlighted several burning issues:
- Housing Scheme (Awas Yojana): The most critical demand is for shelter. The community is asking for immediate inclusion in government housing schemes to ensure every disabled person has a “Pakka” house.
- Land Allocation: To live with self-respect, employment is key. They have demanded the allocation of land or plots to start small businesses.
- BPL Score: Access to government welfare in rural areas depends on the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list. There is a strong demand to assign a BPL score to disabled individuals in Gram Panchayats so they can avail of state benefits.
Without these foundational supports, the vision of an inclusive society remains a distant dream for the disabled in Dang.
Political Representation: Demand for Reserved Seats
Moving beyond being mere beneficiaries, the Dang Divyang Protest Rally raised a revolutionary political demand. The community wants a share in power to become the voice of their own people.
The memorandum calls for Reserved Seats for the disabled in the District Panchayat and Taluka Panchayat elections. The logic is sound: only a representative who lives with a disability can truly understand and resolve the specific challenges faced by the community. They argue that in the current system, their voice is drowned out, making political reservation the need of the hour.
Priority in Government Jobs
The plight of the educated unemployed among the disabled is severe. Despite possessing the necessary educational qualifications, many are unable to find work.
The protesters demanded priority for disabled candidates in government and contract-based recruitment drives. They offered specific, practical suggestions for their employment. Roles such as Data Operators in Gram Panchayats, or staff at Forest Check Posts, Civil Hospitals, and the Water Supply Department are well-suited for them.
“We may have physical limitations, but we are mentally capable,” argued the activists, urging the government to make them self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) through these job opportunities.
Pension Reform and Special Grant Allocation
Current rules restrict pension benefits to those with over 80% disability. The rally vehemently opposed this criterion, demanding that the threshold be lowered to 40% disability. This change would bring relief to a much larger section of the population.
Furthermore, a specific financial demand was made: the allocation of a special grant of ₹1 Crore from the Dang MLA’s fund. This fund should be dedicated exclusively to the upliftment and welfare of the disabled, covering aids, appliances, education, and healthcare needs.
The Ultimatum: ‘Rasta Roko’ Agitation
After submitting the memorandum, the leaders addressed the media with a firm resolve. They warned that they would not return empty-handed this time.
“If the administration does not satisfy these demands shortly, the agitation will intensify,” warned Maheshbhai Ahir. The community is prepared to launch a ‘Rasta Roko’ Agitation, blocking the roads of Dang to bring the administration to a standstill.
To ensure their voice reaches the highest echelons of power, copies of the memorandum have been dispatched to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The ball is now in the court of the administration: will they listen to the cries of the disabled, or will Dang witness a new wave of protests?
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