ENCOURAGE, SUPPORT AND PROMOTE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

OFFICE OF THE MNISTER SOCIAL WELFARE, GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI.

February 6, 2019

New Delhi

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INTERACTIVE SESSION TO UNDERSTAND RPwD Act, 2016 ORGANISED BY HON’BLE SPEAKER RAM NIWAS GOEL JI.

MINISTER SOCIAL WELFARE ATTENDED THE SESSION.

PRESENTATION ON RPwD ACT IN DETAIL FOLLOWED BY INTERACTIVE SESSION.

DELHI STATE INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION AND ALLIED SERVICES IS BEING CREATED.

ENCOURAGE, SUPPORT AND PROMOTE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

RULES NOTIFIED BY DELHI GOVT STANDS OUT TO BE THE BEST AND PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE.

4% RESERVATION & BACKLOG VACANCIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED AND FILLED SOON.

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Today, an interactive session to understand the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, was organised in the Delhi Assembly by Hon’ble Speaker of the Assembly Shri Ram Niwas Goel Ji.

Social Welfare Minister Shri. Rajendra Pal Gautam alongwith the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities T D Dhariyal, Secretary SW, Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of NGO’s and other senior officers from the dept attended the session.

As per Section 39 of the RPwD Act 2016, the Government, in consultation with the State Commissioner, shall conduct,encourage, support or promote awareness campaigns and sensitization programmes to ensure that the rights of the persons with disabilities provided under this Act are protected and followed.

The session was held keeping in view to promote awareness campaigns and training on disability rights, thereby fulfilling the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development that no one shall be left behind, in terms of education , employment , reducing inequalities, inclusive cities for disabled.

The interactive session was followed with the State Commissioner Mr. TD Dhariyal explaining the RPwD Act 2016 in detail. This was followed by the MLAs and representatives asking relevant questions and giving their valuable suggestions.

The State Commissioner commended that the rules notified by the Delhi Government stands out to be the best in comparison with other states and are very progressive in nature. The important aspects, thus needs to be implemented.

Shri. Gautam welcomed everyone, saying that the government of Delhi should be working in that direction. The process of a separate department has started and it will be ready soon.

RP Gautamjihas also gave his opinion on some points and introduced new policies that would very soon come into existence.

Section 13 of Rehabilitation Council of India Act will come into force for increasing the quality of services in the disability sector.

Shri Ram Niwas Goel emphasised that education in schools of children with disabilities will also be taken into consideration. They need to be sponsored properly as NGOs working for the cause do not get any financial assistance through the Govt. This needs to be exercised soon or implemented as per the EWS quota.

Minister also proposed that the name of the Department will also be changed to Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, for which process has already been initiated. To cater to the needs of this sector, the formation of a new dedicated department for disabilities is already in the process.

The main aspect which was highlighted is the non availability of disability certificates. Minister ascertained that this needs to be worked upon with the help of the health ministry and the department.

He also highlighted that the problems and issues faced by Visually Impaired, hearing impaired and mentally challenged are totally different. There was a shortage of special educators and staff which has now been worked upon and recruitment process is filling the gap now. Teachers are now being appointed and hence schools will be strengthened and therefore perform better.

He inserted that sessions like these needs to be organised regularly to make everyone aware of the challenges and issues related to RPwD Act.

Steps should be taken to tackle the issue and problems in the allocation of the Unique ID Card and make the process convenient. The committees have been formed with all the district magistrates to take the lead. In order to make all the buildings accessible by 2022, work should be done on a mission mode.

Minister said that he principally agrees with the point raised by Nitin Tyagi Ji, Hon’ble MLA that in order to strengthen the concept of inclusive learning schools need more numbers of special educators. Differently abled school children face rampant difficulties while studying various subjects. Thereby only two special educators for all the subjects are insufficient studying between class 1 to 12. As per the High Court order, vacancies of only two teachers or special educators have been formed. Stressing the need for inclusive learning concept, one has to explore all the possibilities and work accordingly. Lots to be done in this area, that’s the reason a dedicated department is mandatory.

The Minister said, “I want Delhi to be a model state in terms of filling the gap and addressing the issues related to this sector, so that other states may follow us in good spirit.”

The State Board has also been constituted with the State Commissioner on board to address the issues and problems in the disability sector. Under this board, a monitoring committee has also been formed to look after and monitor the progress of the board and its effective implementation.

Soon low floor disabled friendly DTC buses will also be launched. Steps should be taken to work towards simplifying the disability certificate with the help of health department. He also asserted that pre-emptive measures should also be taken to control certain disability diseases.

For the first time, the Delhi State Institute for Rehabilitation and Allied Services is also being created to provide financial assistance to anyone who needs any kind of support system. There is no such institution yet. He also asserted that 4 percent reservation should also be implemented soon and backlog vacancies are to be filled, which would further help to strengthen this sector.