Karnataka - Bangalore   

Enforcement of laws is the key: Shivraj Patil

Staff Reporter

Law by itself cannot protect the rights of persons with disabilities, says member of the National Human Rights Commission

INTERACTION: (From left) State Commissioner for Disabilities L. Krishnamurthy, Union Minister of State for Shipping and Road Transport K.H. Muniyappa and member of the NHRC Shivraj V. Patil talking to the participants at a national conference on the rights of disabled persons in Bangalore on Saturday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: Member of the National Human Rights Commission Shivraj V. Patil has said that mere enactment of laws is not enough and that their enforcement is what really mattered.

"Law by itself cannot protect the rights of persons with disabilities. A vigilant civil society, non-governmental organisations, honest and committed law-enforcing agencies, independent media, proactive judiciary and awareness about rights of persons with disabilities can help in protecting the human rights of such persons," he said.

Inaugurating the national conference on "Rights of Persons with Disabilities-Role of the Executive and the Judiciary" organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities here on Saturday, Mr. Patil said that notwithstanding the sound legal framework, the number of programmes, schemes and policies, a lot more was required to be done for improving the conditions of persons with disability. "These persons continue to suffer social, cultural and attitudinal barriers. Intense efforts are needed to create awareness and enhance capacity of various institutions and individuals to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights," he said.

Mr. Patil emphasised the need for executives, and specially the field functionaries, to give effect and be sensitive to the rights of disabled persons.

"In this regard, the district magistrates and the Commissioners for Disabilities have a pivotal role to play. The executives in charge of enforcement have a onerous duty and great responsibility in seeing that the fruits of legislation and policies reach persons with disabilities on the ground."

He said that the highest percentage of disabled persons was in the visually impaired category (48.5) followed by disability in movement (26.9 per cent), while the lowest was hearing disability (5.8 per cent).

But the number was increasing in all age groups. The NHRC played a pro-active role in ensuring the enforcement of rights guaranteed by the Constitution for disabled persons and had taken steps for effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, he added.

K.H. Muniyappa, Union Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, asked the officials concerned to formulate projects for the welfare of persons with disabilities in all districts and send the project to the Centre for approval.

"We will extend all possible help for good projects," he said.

He expressed displeasure over the absence of the State Minister and officials concerned with disabilities at the conference. "Officials should take more interest and address the needs of disabled persons," he said. L. Krishnamurthy, State Commissioner for Disabilities, judges of the Karnataka High Court and government officials were present at the programme.

The fact that only the deputy commissioners from Chikmagalur and Bijapur participated in the conference even though invitations were sent to deputy commissioners of all districts seemed to have irked Mr. Patil.

"It is a matter of concern that most of the deputy commissioners, who are the disability officers for the particular district in their jurisdiction, have not bothered to take part in the conference. They should be playing a significant role in promoting the rights of the disabled," he said.

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