Differently abled Ashok prefers job over begging

By Vijay Kumar Sah,Dhalkebar, Apr. 9: Ashok Thakur, a resident of Ward No. 4 of Dhanushadham Municipality in Dhanusha district, lost his left leg to paralysis when he was only two years old. For the past four decades, Ashok, now 41, has been walking and moving with the help of a stick.

Born into a poor family, Ashok’s parents tried everything in their power, but could not provide effective treatment for his leg. Growing up with struggles, Ashok used to work in others’ fields and earn around four-five kilograms of paddy daily in return. 

But providing for his family of five, which include his wife, a daughter and two sons, has always been a struggle.

“Since I could not work effectively in the field and the alms I got was never enough, I started working in the petrol pump,” he said. 

Standing and moving with the help of a stick, Ashok can now be seen filling petrol and diesel in vehicles at the Godar-based New Kamala Petrol Pump. 

“My salary is Rs. 12,000 per month. Yes, it is a peanut in today’s expensive world where children’s education and daily necessities are hard to afford. However, it is better than begging or waiting for charity,” said Ashok.

He feels grateful for getting a job but thinks he could do more if given a chance and support.

“My left leg is completely useless. But I was provided a C-category disabled identity card which bars me from availing several services that I deserve,” said Ashok.

The authorities, he blames, show no concern to help disabled individuals earn a decent living on their own. 

“Who provides skill-based training and economic support to start one’s own business for a disabled individual? If disabled individuals are also taught and trained as per their capacity, people like me should not have to beg or struggle anymore,” said Ashok. 

Govinda Yadav, a local social worker, said that Ashok was an example for many. 

“Despite being physically challenged, Ashok has become self-dependent. 

There are many people like him who want to earn a decent income from a decent work. Rather than feeling a sense of achievement after providing disabled allowance, the government should provide them skill-based training to help them become economically independent,” said Yadav.

There are 280 differently abled individuals in Dhanushadham Municipality. 

“We provide allowance to people with disability under A and B categories. We provide them with wheelchair, blankets, and skill-based training,” said Salini Jha, chief of Women and Children Division of the municipality.