Disability Act crippled by lack of implementation

Inaugurating a seminar on “14 years of Disability Act: A Boon or Bane” organised by Snehadeep Trust on Monday, Bhardwaj stressed on the need for social inclusiveness of persons with disabilities.

He said: “It is the responsibility of the Government to uphold the rights of people with special needs, and they should be involved in every sphere of society.” Retired Justice M N Venkatachalaiah, former chief justice and chairman of the National Human Rights Commission said, “Official apathy and failure of the Government in ensuring basic human rights to persons with disability is a critical issue in the society today.”

Citing an example, Venkatachalaiah said: “If there is one good officer, there are 10 dishonest ones who criticise him and prevent him from being responsible. Persons with disability have been largely unsuccessful in securing their rights due to various impediments.”

Justice Venkatachalaiah stated that while official figures say that 2.3 per cent people live with disability in the country, in reality the number is three times more. As for their families, they too are victims of social prejudice, he added.