Morung Express News
Kohima | November 21
Disability cuts across all departments, it is not the responsibility of a single department or specific section of the society, asserted Disability Rights Activist Diethono Nakhro on November 21 during a press conference held at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
Reminding the State Government on its official notification on September 27 on the Rights of Persons with Disability (RPWD) Act 2016 in the Nagaland, Nakhro asserted that the noitification is only the first step and will serve no purpose unless there is strict and proper enforcement of the laws. “This is a huge milestone for the disability community and we do appreciate the government for the action it has taken,” added Nakhro.
The Act highlights 21 specified disability conditions along with numerous sub-categories where crucial provisions are ensured for the community of persons with disabilities.
Stressing on the importance of awareness of the Act and its implementation, Disability Rights Activist pointed out some of the features of the Act such as: free Healthcare, free Education from 6 to 18 years, 5% reservation in higher education, job reservation increase from 3% to 4%, quantum assistance in poverty alleviation schemes increased by 25% such as wage rate under MNREGA, punishment by imprisonment for offences against people with disabilities, setting up of Special courts and ensuring equal opportunity policy in every department.
An important aspect of the Act is that it not only covers the government sector but private sectorts as well. "Private businesses, establishments, schools, colleges, etc, are all required to comply with accessibility provisions, disability employment and so on," said Nakhro.
Prior to the new RPWD Act 2016, another Disability Act was already in place i.e The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. Although the Act was in force in India for over 20 years, Nakhro stated that not a single law under the Act was properly enforced in the Nagaland.
"With the Act now officially enforced in the state, we, the disability community, want to make very clear that we will not allow RPWD Act 2016 to end up like the old 1995 Act.
In the past, our voice may not have been strong and because of that people with disabilities were totally ignored and neglected," said Nakhro. In recent years, the plight for the people with disabilities have gained momentum, therefore Nakhro reiterated that they are equal citizens fighting for what is rightfully theirs. "We are here, we are proud of who we are and we are going to fight for our rights. We are going to fight for children with disabilities to get quality education and the skills they need to live a full life and explore their potential. We are going to fight for accessibility in the environment and information and technology, for access to quality health services and equal opportunity to employment," assured Nakhro.
A separate State Disability Rules is said to be in process and reaching the final stage. Whether the State Rules are notified, Nakhro stated that the Act is already in force and it is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to do what needs to be done to implement the Act.
“The grim reality right now is that People with Disabilities represent the most excluded of all groups in Naga society. Many children with disabilities in Nagaland cannot attend school or get a full and proper education. Most adults with disabilities are unable to participate in community activities such as meetings, community programmes and functions, festivals and religious services. They have no access to the labour market and encounter serious obstacles and discrimination in seeking employment or income-generating activities,” said Nakhro. Another disturbing reality that Nakhro pointed out is the physical and sexual abuse of girls and women with disabilities, particularly those with psychosocial disabilities.
“We are no longer willing to exist like third class citizens. We are also not looking for pity or charity, we don’t need that. We just want our fellow citizens and our govt to ensure the equal rights and opportunities that we deserve as equal citizens. This can start with the strict and proper implementation of the RPWD Act 2016,” concluded Nakhro.
