Programme on rights of persons with disabilities

GUWAHATI, June 13: A sensitization programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was organized by the Assam State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Shishu Sarothi at Guwahati on Wednesday for members of the Juvenile Justice Board, Child Welfare Committee, Protection Officers (Institutional and Non-institutional Care), and Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities from five districts – Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang, Morigaon and Nagaon. The programme was also participated by Inspectors of Police, CID, Assam, Special Educator from NIPCCD and a counselor from Childline, officials from ASLSA, Social Welfare and Assam State Child Protection Society, a press release said.

In his inaugural speech, ASLSA member secretary SN Sarma highlighted the importance of upholding rights of persons with disabilities as envisaged under the law if one has to ensure that no one is left behind in the process of development. SS Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary, Social Welfare who graced the occasion as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of government functionaries being aware of the rights of persons with disabilities and the corresponding accountability of duty bearers to ensure those rights. Sharing that he was glad to attend the day’s programme and learn disability rights, he also underlined the fact that the new disability law only lays down the basic minimum that is mandated for disabled people and nothing stops the government from providing for more.

The programme made an endeavour to create awareness amongst the stakeholders concerned on rights of persons with disabilities and more specifically, on the rights of children with disabilities.