National Federation of the Blind of IndiaHistory and Struggle of the Reservation in Government Jobs
In the year 1970s, the employment opportunities for the blind in mainstream job market (both private and Govt.) were not available. Consequently, Federation focused on formulation of effective policies for the disabled in general and blind in particular to open up employment in the Govt. sector since 1978.
The main initiative in this direction was undertaken in the year 1980 when on 16th March 1980, Members of the Federation under the dynamic leadership of its General Secretary Shri S.K. Rungta took to streets to knock the doors of Prime Minister of India for ensuring effective reservation policy for persons with disabilities in Govt. jobs.
The procession of the Federation was lathi charged by the police but the relentless struggle continued. This incident of lathi charge created not only vide spread anger and condemnation but also resulted into introduction of a private Member Bill on the employment for the disabled which was introduced by Prof. Madhu Dandwate in Lok Sabha.