MARGAO
Asserting that persons with disabilities cannot be marginalized and excluded from social activities, economic growth and inclusive education, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India, Shakuntala D Gamlin, on Saturday said time has come to empower persons with disabilities as enshrined by the Constitution.
With Goa playing host to around 33,000 persons with disabilities, Social Welfare Minister Milind Naik said the government of Goa is committed to provide all facilities and amenities to the persons with disabilities mandated under the various laws in force.
Speaking at the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2018 organised by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Goa government, at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Saturday, Gamlin said various State governments are in the process of codifying the rights of persons with disabilities as per an Act of Parliament. She said the Act mandates the state government to set up quasi-judicial authorities for the persons with disabilities, including the Commissioner and other forums where the persons with disabilities can take up their grievances. “Compared to other countries, India is far ahead in looking after persons with disabilities. Because of our culture and strong ethos, we have a large number of NGOs which have been looking after persons with disabilities. There are various institutions across the country for persons with disabilities, wherein such people can rise to the optimum level, innovate and participate in normal activities to make the society better,” she added.
While stressing on the need for partnership between parents and government, Gamlin said such a partnership will only help in treating persons with disabilities at an early age. “We have instances wherein persons with disabilities can be cured if they are treated at an early age between 0 and 6 years. Disability can be greatly arrested at an early age,” she added.
Gamlin requested parents of persons with disabilities, teachers and the media at large to create awareness in the society that such children can be provide with rehabilitative care between 0 and 6 years of age, while reminding that special children enjoy the rights to go to schools, join for a rehabilitative care and participate in any field of art and culture.
In his brief address, Social Welfare Minister Milind Naik said he considered privileged to preside over the social welfare portfolio, saying he has been associated with programmes for disabled.
