News

Volume 8 Issue 1 - January 01, 2011

D.R.G. members protest outside Wasnik’s residence

Candle light vigil outside Mukul Wasnik's residence on Dec 31, 2010

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: Even as most of our countrymen welcomed the New Year with parties and get-togethers, disability rights activists, persons with disabilities and other well-wishers from the disability sector braved the cold and held a candle light vigil outside Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Mukul Wasnik’s residence in New Delhi.

Members of the Disabled Rights Group (D.R.G.) protested against the failure of the New Law Committee to come out with a new and comprehensive disability rights legislation to replace the existing Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995.

“The Committee has still not been able to complete the task assigned to it eight months ago. Now, they are asking for one more extension, until March 31, 2011. The disability sector demands that there should be no more extensions given and a new panel be formed by the Ministry,” explained D.R.G. Convenor, Javed Abidi.

The 27 member committee – consisting of parents, professionals and bureaucrats – was given four months to submit a draft law by August 31, 2010, but it missed the deadline and asked for an extension till the end of October. After missing this deadline, the panel asked for another extension and pushed the matter until December end. However, the Committee has not been able to complete the task even then and has asked for one more extension until March 31, 2011.