Bhil family struggles with three disabled members

JAIPUR: Disability has caused much distress to this family of the Bhil tribe in Dikwani village of Shahbad block in Baran district. Thirty-seven-year-old Suthri, mother of four children, said she was among three members of the family struggling with disability.
Her husband has been mentally unwell for several years and unable to work. Her 70-year-old mother-in-law needs care, and does not receive an old age pension.One of her sons is deaf since birth and unable to walk. He needs constant care and only eats if someone feeds him.
Suthri says the family has made ends meet by taking care of livestock, but it has been a struggle. However, no one in the family has yet received a disability certificate from a doctor, a necessity to avail benefits from the government.
The woman said attempts to get the necessary documents have proven futile, as officials have sent them from one place to another.
Firoz Khan, a social activist, said the poor tribal people of the region find little support from government staff. "Without a disability certificate, there won't be any benefits from the government. And getting that certificate can prove a daunting task for these people."