Andhra Pradesh   

Visually-challenged students go on fast

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: About 600 inmates of the four Government Homes for the Blind in the city launched an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday to press for fifteen demands, including withdrawal of GO 128 which provides for closure of hostels for the visually-challenged.

According to P. Babji, Chairman, Joint Action Committee for the Blind, about 450 boys and 150 girls were on fast since 5 a.m. demanding among other things, supply of audio taperecorders, bed materials and payment of increased mess charges of Rs.412 as also private reading charges of Rs.75 per head.

Mr. Babji charged Ashok Reddy, Assistant Director, Disabled Welfare, with ‘misguiding’ the Government regarding the facilities to be provided to the blind inmates of the Government Homes.

He demanded suspension of the officer.

He stated that the inmates were facing hardship on account of non-provision of audio tape recorders for the last three years and non-payment of mess charges which were increased last year from Rs.330 to Rs.412.

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