Governance

Using government websites is an ordeal for many disabled persons as the accessibility guidelines issued three years ago are yet to be fully implemented

EVEN AFTER three years of the Prime Minister's order, some of the top government websites remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities. What is even more ironic is that some of them make tall claims about being 'accessible' but when tested, failed miserably. Most people use the Internet to take up certain tasks including booking railway or air tickets, online shopping, filing of tax returns, applying for passports or booking a cinema ticket. But for many of the 70-100 million people with disabilities, this is an impossible task.

Gujarat govt's employment drive claims has gaping holes as proved by data accessed using RTI Act applications

Government of Gujarat has claimed often that unemployment rate in the state is quite low. It also cites the Central government's labour bureau report to point out that it has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. But those working in the labour sector in Gujarat since decades have found these statistics, be it by the State or the Union government not to be in sync with the ground reality.

Migrant salt pan workers in Gujarat have to buy water at exorbitant rates as govt routinely fails to keep its promise

Whatever statistics and reports may say about Gujarat’s development, Agariyas (traditional salt workers), will surely be poorer this year, as they are forced to take more loans to purchase water. Though it is a duty of the government to supply basic services to its citizens, Agariyas don't seem to figure in this plan. In fact, the Water Supply and Sewerage Management Board claims that the Agariyas earn enough from salt production and should make their own arrangements. This despite the fact that workers make just 25 paisa for a kg of salt which is sold for Rs 15