HYDERABAD: A panel of experts has called for major reforms to aid persons with disabilities, during a discussion titled ‘Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities in India: Policies & Practices’ held here on Saturday to mark International Human Rights Day.
Speaking at the event, Kasinadh Lakkaraju, zonal convener (Telangana & AP), Rehabilitation Council of India, said that about 10.5 lakh people were physically challenged in Telangana according to the 2011 Census, which would have risen to 20 lakh now. “The ground reality is there are 80 lakh disabled people as one disabled person in a house means three other family members are also affected and discriminated against,” he said.
Lakkaraju said out of six lakh villages in India, not a single one was disabled friendly. He said the only way to get rights was to demand them by putting pressure on the authorities. “For that, we need to become democratic Naxalites,” he said and urged more meaningful engagement with both Central and state governments.
P. Padmavathi, in-charge of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Telangana, said that though legislations for persons with disabilities were introduced from time to time, they were not being implemented.
Osmania University assistant professor Dr Lalitha J., said disability awareness must begin from schools. Most teachers undergoing the BEd course are not aware of the requirements and rights of persons with disabilities.
