MBMC razing stalls run by disabled locals

Mumbai: To give them an opportunity to become self-reliant and command a respectable position in society, the state and central government aut-horities have floated various schemes for the physically-challenged.

One such scheme being awarding them permission to set up stalls or kiosks through local self-governing bodies. In the twin-city however, such schemes are lying crippled owing to the sheer apathy and insensitive approach of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC).

One such physically-challenged woman identified as Laxmi Rastogi (42) has been running from pillar to post for the past more than six months to secure permission to reinstate her stall located in the Jesal Park area of Bhayandar (east), which was demolished by the civic administration, citing the non-payment of taxes as the reason.

Ms Rastogi’s stall was razed despite the fact that several such stalls are being illegally run and also leased out by fake beneficiaries.

Interestingly, Ms Rastogi’s stall had been in existence since 1991. “I am the sole breadwinner of the family, with aged parents to look after. Despite clearing all the dues, nobody has cared to resolve my woes. The place where my stall and only source of income was located is now occupied by hawkers,” she lamented.

Meanwhile, an official attached to the MBMC’s licence department said, “A survey of all the stalls is underway.

This particular case has been under consideration and a decision will be taken soon.”