News

Volume 4 Issue 9 - May 01, 2006

Bihar Government to appoint State Commissioner for Disability

D.N.I.S. News Network - The National Democratic Alliance (N.D.A.) Government in Bihar, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has decided to bring some hope to disabled people by announcing that the State Government will appoint a Commissioner to oversee and ensure implementation of three per cent reservation in jobs and other facilities. The State Government will open the Office of Disability Commissioner at the State Capital. District Collectors, at various District Headquarters, would be nominated as Nodal Officers on Disability.

According to sources, under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, Bihar Government had formulated rules in 2004 and a decision has been taken to implement it now. Once the Cabinet approves these rules, they will come into force.

There are approximately 27 lakh disabled people in the State. There is a provision of three per cent reservation in jobs for them but unfortunately they do not get these jobs. The State Government would monitor the implementation of the reservation status through the Office of the Disability Commissioner itself. There would be new provisions for facilities to the provided to the disabled people. The Welfare Officer Vijay Prakash mentioned that the State Government has issued directions to remove obstructions at public places to ensure that disabled people have better access.