Unhappy with Air India apology, disability activist to approach Centre

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 12

Four days after disability activist Vivek Joshi, along with his father, was harassed by Air India staff at the Mumbai airport, the airline on Thursday issued an e-mail apology to Joshi.

The airline has responded to Vivek via email, stating, “Kindly accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Please note we are having the matter examined and shall revert to you shortly. Assuring you our best attention at all time.” The apology was sent by Rajnish Srivastava, Senior Manager, C-Traffic Services.

However, terming the apology a mere formality sent from a room, Vivek said he would write to Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. Talking to The Tribune, Vivek said, “I was made to sit for half an hour facing the wall like a school kid receiving a punishment. The airline staff clearly has no knowledge about rules and how to treat the disabled. If the government doesn’t respond, I shall return my award. I’m also exploring legal options. I want concrete action taken against them. Their salary should be cut and they should be trained so that no disabled person is treated the same way again.”