NEW DELHI: With the vision to create more awareness about people with disability, Delhi Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) has written a letter to the Cabinet Secretary urging him to conduct a two-three hour workshop at a suitable time for all the MLAs.
T.D Dhariyal, who has been appointed as PWD commissioner in March, has already conducted two workshops for Delhi Police officials and bureaucrats now it is time for the representatives of the people.
“I believe that unless there is awareness regarding PWD, turning things around will prove to be a very difficult task. Approximately only 30 per cent area in the national capital is accessible for people with disabilities. This has to change I want to make Delhi a model city regarding accessibility for such people. Hence, I have written to the Cabinet urging them to conduct a 2-3 hour workshop for all the MLAs at an appropriate time” Dhariyal informed The Sunday Standard.
The International Day of Disabled Persons falls this year on December 3. With the mission to change the accessibility of buildings, Dhariyal has sent notices to 12 departments including MCD, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Public Works Department and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), among others to conduct the accessibility audit.
Further agreeing that the mindset regarding PWD needs to change, Dhariyal says the workshop will focus on educating the MLAs of the rights of disabled persons and to create more sensitivity.
“Despite the claims from the municipal bodies and the DUSIB, my ground checks have revealed that their claims are false” said Dhariyal regarding reports filed by the agencies on accessibility of toilets and footpaths under their jurisdictions.
The new law based more on rights for the welfare of the people many people still do not know that there is a fine of Rs 5 lakh if someone insults a person with disability, in public but the process is bit time taking so we have to cut that short, Dhariyal informed further. He was referring to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2016.
Disabled friendly law
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2016, provides for five per cent reservation for people with disabilities in all govt educational institutions. It also mandates four per cent quota in employment opportunities. Types of disabilities have also been increased from seven to 21 under the new law.