Basic fundamental rights of the disabled should be protected

Gangtok, Sikkim : The issues of disabled groups and the protection of their rights have long been overdue, opined the Governor, Mr Sudarshan Agarwal.

However, the plight of these people, should be viewed from boarder parameters and their basic fundamental rights should be protected and implemented for their betterment,” said the governor. “The need of the hour is to sensitise the people and extend cooperation, to cultivate respect and discipline towards this group,” he added.

Taking entire scenario of the disabled people in Sikkim, “I see the people have the sight but no vision, the way in which the disabled are categorised and the way they have been deprived of their rights which is totally unfair,” the governor chided. He also emphasised on the submission of detailed report covering the grievances of this section of society as it could help in reconsidering and minimising their problems.
He was the chief guest addressing the gathering on the two-day programme on the ‘Indian People's Tribunal on Human Rights of Persons with Disability’ concluded yesterday at Janata Bhawan in Gangtok, which was organised by the Human Resource Law Network (HRLN), Sikkim Unit.

During the course of the programme Mr Jeevan Rai, a visually impaired person and also the principal of national blind school, Namchi expressed his point of view and suggested provisions to improve the life of disabled persons. “Despite various constitutional rights safeguarding the privileges of physically challenged persons the ordinances however have not been implemented in its true sense, the ineffectiveness has crippled the normal life, said Mr Rai. “The special provisions on educational gambit for the disabled persons should be implemented,” he urged.
Later in the day a book on human rights and laws protecting the rights of the disabled in Nepali language was also released. “HRLN aims to demystify the law to enable poor and the victim communities to fight for their rights which are done through legal aid, training, documentation, conducting campaigns and investigations, said an advocate Ms Doma T Bhutia from Sikkim unit HRLN.

“As for the role from Sikkim unit, the organisation provides legal aid and takes up high impact PIL,” she added.

Source: The Statesman