Srinagar, Oct 16: A daylong convention of disabled persons in Srinagar called for sustained efforts on the issues of social security and the implementation of provisions mandated in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The convention provided a platform to discuss the various challenges faced by this marginalised section of society.
Muralidharan, the general secretary of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), criticised the Central government for its “indifference” in implementing the RPD Act. He said the government’s lack of action, citing financial constraints, was denying disabled individuals their rights. Disabled women and children are subjected to harassment almost daily, he added.
The convention highlighted key demands, including the full implementation of the Disability Law 2016, filling vacant posts for disabled individuals and regularising temporarily disabled employees, providing free passes to persons with 40 percent disability, issuing BPL cards based on SC guidelines, disbursing a monthly pension of Rs 5000 to the disabled, providing artificial limbs with waived GST, simplifying the disability certificate issuance process at the PHC level, and offering interest-free loans for self-employment to disabled individuals.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami called for the need to promote understanding of disability sector issues and garner support for the dignity, rights, and overall well-being of persons with disabilities. He demanded the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political, social, economic, and cultural life, including developmental programmes.
Tarigami stressed the importance of employment as a tool for empowering persons with disabilities economically, calling for special employment drives to ensure their inclusion in the workforce.
The CPI(M) leader highlighted the significance of a simplified Disability Certificate issuance process, as it is vital for identifying persons with disabilities and ensuring they receive entitled benefits. He called for a united struggle to safeguard the rights of this marginalized section of society. The convention also saw the participation of Mohammed Afzal Parry, DDC Chairperson Kulgam, who addressed the attendees.
