By Sangeeta Sharma
New Delhi, Jul 26 (LAB) The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India today proposed to re-look into the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and convened a high-level meeting in this regard.
A meeting of the core group was held today at the NHRC headquarters to discuss the draft of the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities which can be implemented to benefit persons in a more humane and practical way.
Chairing the meeting, NHRC, Member, Dr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay said that it is time to expand the cause of Persons with Disabilities based on the ground realities, where thoughts are turned into actions. Mr. Mulay said that while working on draft policies, each document should be a substantive improvement of the previous one. He added that the comments and suggestions should be objective and in the right direction.
Dr. Mulay emphasized that Disability has socio-psycho-politico-cultural dimensions and the promotion and protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities should be much deliberated upon.
He called for a larger political representation and involvement of Persons with Disabilities in the decision-making. He also focused to direct much attention on the infrastructural, up-skilling, and relevant training needs, apart from Access to Justice by the Persons with Disabilities.
NHRC Member, Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar called for increased use of Artificial Intelligence to help Persons with Disabilities. He added that coordinated efforts and technology should be used for the betterment of the protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
NHRC Secretary General, Mr. D.K. Singh said that disability is an evolving and dynamic concept. He welcomed the government initiatives of the online systemic registration and the issuance of certificates and ID cards for Persons with Disabilities. However, gaps in the policy and implementation are to be identified. He called for synergy in the application of all the benefits available across all the schemes to fill in the gaps. He also commented upon the challenges families and caregivers experience due to the lack of sensitization.
Earlier, in the welcome address, NHRC Joint Secretary, Mr. H.C. Chaudhary said that it is time to uplift the vulnerable section of society. Giving a brief on the background of the draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, he said the full potential of Persons with Disabilities should be identified and appreciated.
Mr.Chaudhary said that the draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was much deliberated upon and many gaps and suggestions, among others, emerged from the discussions. The Commission will deliberate upon all the points and come up with a relevant document which further will be sent to the Government, he said.
The meeting saw participation, among others, NHRC Member Mr. Rajiv Jain, Registrar (Law), Mr. Surajit Dey, Joint Director (Research), Dr. M.D.S. Tyagi; NHRC Core Group Members; Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Person with Disabilities, Ministry of SJ&E, Mr. Rajesh Yadav, said Mr. Jaimini Kumar Srivastava /LAB/SNG/