Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 29: The High Court today directed the Central Government to inform it about the grants and measures provided for the disabled as well as the schemes which are operational for the benefit of the disabled persons in the State.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sanjeev Kumar in this regard impleaded the Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as party respondent and directed him to file the status report regarding this issue.
Court also directed him to inform it with regard to the guidelines and policy framework which has been framed for implementation by the stakeholders to ensure equality and dignity to the disabled. Court further directed that these directions be served upon the Chief Secretary for examination.
“We make it clear that in case the action plan and status reports in terms of the above are not filed within the period granted, the Principal Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Government of J&K shall remain present in court on the next date of hearing”, the DB directed.
Court observed that the position of disabled persons in the State discloses a callous disregard to the plight of the children who are visually impaired. “It cannot be lost sight of the fact that the visual impairment is just one of the disabilities which has been recognized by the Legislature”, court said.
Referring the Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1998 court said, it recognized several disabilities including hearing and speech impairment, loco motor disability, etc.
Court further added that the issue deserved to be examined on critical basis and action taken expeditiously. The one critical aspect of the matter, court said, is to have a proper census of persons with disability and also disability audit taken all measures undertaken with regard to public buildings.
“This deficiency in the facilities for education for the differently abled persons would also be rendering inconsequential employment reservations made to ensure employment opportunities to these persons”, read the order.
Court on consideration to all disabilities, said, it will consider the steps taken by the respondents-authorities to ensure equality, dignity and necessary facilities to all disabilities.
“The respondents will examine and place before this court an action plan within four weeks from today of the manner in which the disability census would be undertaken in the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir”, court said.
“The respondents will also place before this court an action plan with regard to undertaking disability audits of public buildings which would include hospitals, bus stands, transport system, railway stations, airports, all Government buildings, pavements, parks, etc”, read the order.
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