Gavindra Karmele lives in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh where he works at a Senior Secondary school. Despite losing his eye sight at an early age of six, Gavindra’s family ensured he never lost out on opportunities, starting with his education.

He worked hard through school and earned a Double Master’s degree. Once he got a respectable job of an English teacher, Gavindra decided to marry and settle down. Now 47-years-old, he wishes to own a house of his own.
Knowing that Bank of Baroda offered housing loan at a low rate of interest, Gavindr approached the bank with his application. He was in for a rude shock when the Bank Manager dismissed his request, denying him a loan on grounds of blindness.

Gavindr argued his case logically citing the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Banking Association guidelines that mandate banks to extend all financial services to persons with disabilities. However, the bank staff did not budge.

He felt disheartened at the lack of empathy exhibited by the officials. Left with little choice, he had to explore other loan options at higher rates of interest.

Eyeway receives banking rights violation complaints from blind people across the country on a regular basis. And these are people who face discrimination irrespective of their education or socio-economic background. Several callers have shared their utter humiliation at the hands of ignorant and arrogant authorities.

Many nationalized banks may term themselves inclusive and accessible on paper, but the reality on ground is abysmal. Since the laws don’t seem to suffice, who will ensure that 5.4 million blind people in India are treated equitably?