PANAJI
Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has demanded accessibility for Persons with Disability (PwD) at gram sabha meetings so that they can attend the meeting and voice their issues.In a letter to the Director and Secretary Panchayats, DRAG president Avelino de Sa stated that persons with disability have a right to attend the gram sabha meetings and voice their issues. The Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 mandates equal opportunity and non-discrimination for persons with disability.
"We request you to direct all panchayats to ensure that the gram sabha meetings are held on the ground floor, documents are provided in accessible format and sign language interpreters are present for the meeting as mandated under Section 40 to 45 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 so that persons with disability can participate in the meetings and raise their issues," said DRAG president.
“We will be forced to take action under Section 89 of the Act for non-compliance. We also request you to direct the panchayats to nominate a person with disability on the village development and social justice committees to protect the rights of persons with disability as it has been brought to our notice that public buildings in the villages are not yet accessible for persons with disability even though 28 years of the Persons with Disability Act 1995 has passed,” he added.
The NGO has also written to Secretary Health demanding implementation of Mental Health Act 2018, stating that it is shocking that the rules have not been notified even though five years have passed.
DRAG has also written to Secretary Education demanding accessibility in regular schools for children with disability. “Out of 1510 schools, only 917 schools are accessible entrances out of which only 166 schools have accessible toilets for children with disability as per data shared by the department. We demand accessibility in all schools before the start of next academic year in view of the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) which mandates inclusive education,” said Avelino de Sa.
