News

Volume 4 Issue 5 - March 01, 2006

Learn from the past and move ahead to implement the Disability Act more effectively: Justice Verma

D.N.I.S. News Network- Though overall awareness of the rights of disabled people, as mandated by the Disability Act a decade ago, has increased yet a prodigious task lies ahead to ensure that disabled people are allowed equal participation in the task of nation building in all walks of life and across the country.

This was the broad analysis that emerged from a daylong disability law workshop held in Lucknow recently, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. It was titled "Disability and Law: 10 years of the Indian Disability Act — looking back to move ahead."

Chief Guest Justice A.N Verma said that the aim of all those concerned with the matter should learn from the past and move ahead with the intention to implement the Disability Act more effectively. Speaking to D.N.I.S. on the sidelines of the workshop, he asserted that more and more disabled people should approach the courts in case of denial of their rights mandated by the law of the land. By seeking justice they would create greater awareness besides sensitizing the country and its judiciary.

The workshop was organised by National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (N.C.P.E.D.P) in association with the Indian Association of the Handicapped (Handicare), with the support of the British High Commission.

On being asked about an assessment of how the Disability Act has fared in the state, Commissioner of Lucknow Division R K Mittal, who was the guest of honour, said that basic awareness had come about. But much more needs to be done. He stressed that the officials, who are entrusted with the task of implementing and protecting the law and its provisions, play a vital role. If the official concerned is fired by the zeal to do a good job, then there is tremendous scope, he added.

While delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, T.D. Dhariyal highlighted the landmark judgements by the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. 

Director National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, Ratnesh Kumar delivered the valedictory address. Earlier, Chairperson of the Handicare, Mridu R. Goel, while giving her welcome address asserted on the need for sensitisation of authorities on the issue of legal rights that disabled people have in this country.