32-year-old Navnath resides in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. At the age of twelve, he lost his eyesight and was confined in his home for the next thirteen years. Born to a poor family with limited resources or knowledge about life with blindness, Navnath had to give up on education and personal independence. He lost his father early and his mother who also suffered hearing and vision loss, was burdened with raising three children alone.

As Navnath grew up, he realised the need to earn and provide for the family. One of his visually impaired friends encouraged him to step out and find work. Initially, Navnath was scared of traveling or any outdoor activity. But slowly he began to embrace his fears and soon he could take the local train on his own. He made frequent trips to Mumbai and Pune to acquire ration, distributed by some NGOs. However, he couldn’t rely on giveaways for sustenance. That’s when he opened up a tuck shop to bring in regular income. 

While his small business covered some expenses, he could not afford to provide a decent shelter for his mother. He made several trips to the Gram Panchayat office to avail benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Two years later he learned that only people who own land, are eligible for the scheme. He was hopeless when his friend put him in touch with the Eyeway Helpdesk for a recourse. 

The Eyeway counselor began looking for other state sponsored schemes. Navnath was informed about the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Gharkul Land Purchase Financing Scheme, under which landless families below poverty line are eligible for financial assistance. The counselor advised him to submit the supporting government resolution to the Gram Panchayat office. 

With all paperwork duly filed, his application has been submitted for approval from senior administration. If such information is readily available for people like Navnath, many more can actually enjoy the benefits of welfare schemes. The fact that he had to chase the officials for six years without any appropriate answers, shows the lack of awareness and sensitivity of implementing agents. 

As an organisation committed to enabling persons with blindness, Eyeway continues to help blind citizens who get caught up in administrative implementation gaps. But does that abdicate the authorities of their responsibility of public service?

Team Eyeway