PANAJI
In view of the steep delegate fee and rough treatment at the International Film festival of India, Vishant Nagvekar, a person with orthopaedic disability, has written to the organisers that the disabled demanding concessions in the form of a fee waiver as well as reservation of 3% seats for the disabled at the festival.
“The much talked about full participation and opportunities for persons with disabilities in all social events and gatherings is not being considered while organising IFFI, thereby preventing disabled international and local film faculties from witnessing the auspicious event,” Nagvenkar stated in his letter.
In his letter, Nagvenkar has suggested special queues at ticket booking counters, online ticket booking, easy access and reserved parking at the opening and closing ceremonies and screening of the films at IFFI, which according to him are currently “beyond the imagination of persons with disabilities.”
“All these facilities are available only on paper, but its implementation has been ignored by the authorities and officials,” he said.
Mrunal Walke, General Manager of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), confirmed receiving the letter, but are yet to decide on it.
“We have just received the letter. No decision has been taken as yet. We will examine the letter and then decide,” Walke told 'The Goan'.
Nagvenkar had earlier petitioned the Human Rights Commission regarding the access to several government buildings. The Commission took cognizance of the matter, and later asked the government to submit an affidavit on the same.
