Anuj Verma, a 22-year-old from Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, was born completely blind. His father, a farmer, supported the family, but financial struggles were a constant reality. As the only person in his family with vision impairment, Anuj had to navigate his education and daily life with little guidance.

He was only able to study until 8th grade at Kanpur Blind School. After that, due to a lack of resources, Anuj had to discontinue his studies. In February 2024, seeking financial stability, Anuj contacted the Eyeway National Helpdesk to inquire about disability benefits. A counselor guided him through the process of applying for the disability pension provided by the Indian government. After months of waiting, he finally started receiving his pension in May—a crucial financial aid that helped him gain independence.

However, in November 2024, Anuj faced an unexpected setback—his pension payments stopped without any prior notice. Relying entirely on this support, he found himself in a desperate situation. Once again, he turned to Eyeway for help. The counselor advised him to visit the pension office with his registration documents to investigate the issue.
 

Frustrated and left without options, Anuj informed Eyeway about the repeated delays. Recognizing the unfair treatment, the Eyeway counselor directly intervened, contacting the bank officials and reminding them of their legal obligation to assist persons with disabilities. They also warned of consequences for non-compliance with banking accessibility guidelines.

The intervention proved effective. The bank officials promptly called Anuj back, verified his account, and linked his Aadhaar card. By February 2025, his pension payments were reinstated, and he has been receiving them without interruption since.

Beyond resolving his immediate financial struggle, Eyeway’s support extended further. The counselor encouraged Anuj to explore opportunities beyond government assistance, providing him with guidance on higher education and vocational training. He is now enrolled in mobility training, spoken English, and computer skills courses, taking steps toward a more independent future.

Team Eyeway