News

Volume 3 Issue 8 - April 15, 2005

Delhi takes strong steps to implement Persons with Disabilities Act

DNIS News Network - After nine years of launching the Act, the Delhi Government is taking stringent decisions to ensure that disabled people get what is due to them.

The Delhi Government has decided to establish a separate Commissionerate for disabilities in accordance with Section 60 of the People with Disabilities Act. The State Coordination Committee also decided to set up medical boards in nine district hospitals to issue medical certificates to disabled persons, especially mentally disabled people, to help them benefit from bus and train travel concessions. The committee also decided to prepare a scheme for giving out doles or unemployment allowance to unemployed disabled people who have been registered at the special employment exchange for two years. This scheme is to be implemented this financial year.

Another laudable development is the decision to fill up all posts reserved for persons with disability in various departments of the Delhi Government. As per the provisions of the Act, 3% of posts should be reserved for persons with disabilities.

The Committee also asked the Urban Development Department to take steps to make Delhi barrier-free and accessible. The N.D.M.C. and the M.C.D. have been asked to provide separate parking for disabled people.