Visually Impaired Protesters Block Roads in Shimla, Demand Job Quota Appointments
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – April 7, 2025:
Members of the Himachal Pradesh Visually Impaired Association have blocked roads near the state Secretariat in Shimla, demanding the government fill the pending job vacancies reserved for the visually impaired.
This strong protest marks the 535th day of their ongoing struggle for their rights. The protesters have warned that if their demands are not met by Tuesday, they will start an indefinite hunger strike.
Contact Information of Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment – Punjab
| Name | Contact No. | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Baljit Kaur | (Not Provided) | 172274055 |
Senior Officers – Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Department, Punjab
| Sr. No. | Name | Designation | Contact No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sh. V.K. Meena, IAS | Principal Secretary | pswscbc@punjab.gov.in | 2742680 |
| 2 | Sh. Sandeep Hans, IAS | Director, Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities | directorwelfarepunjab@gmail.com | 2273272 |
| 3 | Sh. Raj Bahadur Singh | Director-Cum-Joint Secretary, SC Sub Plan (SCSP) | dir.scsp@punjab.gov.in | 2220801 |
Why Are They Protesting?
The protesters say the government has not filled over 1,100 jobs that are legally reserved for visually impaired individuals.“These jobs are not charity. They are our legal and constitutional rights,” said Rajesh Thakur, the State Secretary of the association.
He explained that even if the government fills 500 posts, more than 600 positions will still remain vacant.
Where Are They Protesting?
For over a year, these individuals were protesting peacefully near Kalibari Temple in Shimla. But now, they’ve moved their protest to the main gate of the state Secretariat, saying that the government is ignoring their voices.
“Whenever we go to talk to officials, they treat us like we don’t matter. No one wants to take responsibility,” Thakur shared.
Failed Meetings, No Action
The association says they’ve already met the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister several times. But nothing has changed.
“We’ve tried to talk. Now we have no other option but to protest. Unless Minister Dhaniram Shandil comes to talk to us or announces a proper plan, we won’t stop,” Thakur added.
What’s Next?
The protesters have clearly stated that if there is no action by Tuesday, they will go on a hunger strike. People from Delhi and Haryana are also joining their protest to show support
“We are fighting for our future and our dignity. The government must act before it’s too late,” Thakur warned.
The Shimla SP has assured them that their demands will be shared with higher authorities, but the protesters say they won’t stop until real action is taken.
Key Demands:
- Fill over 1,100 backlog government jobs for visually impaired people.
- Immediate meeting with Minister Dhaniram Shandil or announcement of a clear plan.
- End of government’s negligence and delays.
- Website of Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment – Punjab [Link]
Conclusion
These visually impaired individuals are not asking for sympathy – they are demanding justice and equal opportunity. Their fight is not just for jobs, but for respect, dignity, and a secure future.