Citizen groups protest rejection of ‘diff-abled’ man’s nomination

It may be noted that Saravanan had filed his nomination for one among the 11 posts of directors for the Public Library Employees Cooperative Thrift Society, Dharmapuri district, the elections for which are to be held on Monday. Of the 11 posts, six are reserved for the general category, three for women and two for Dalits. Saravanan had  filed for one of the posts in the reserved category for Dalits. 

While there is no competition for this post, the Election Officer abetted by AIADMK partymen, unlawfully rejected Saravanan’s application on the grounds that he is visually challenged and will not be able to read and write, the protestors said. 

Stating that Saravanan has completed his schooling and can read and write in braille, the protesters said the Commissioner for Tamil Nadu State Cooperative Societies Election Commission, M Rajendran, was forced to order the Election Officer to accept the nomination as per law. 

When contacted, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Arun Roy said, “Section 3 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 clearly states that ‘No person with disability shall be discriminated on the ground of disability.’”