MARGAO

The state government has passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (Central Act), however, the rules are being framed and the file in this regard has been forwarded to the law department, informed Social Welfare Minister Pandurang Madkaikar.
 

He was speaking as a chief guest at a programme held to commemorate International Day for Persons with Disabilities here, on Tuesday.

Madkaikar said that through this Act, the persons with disabilities can rightfully demand government facilities including admissions in schools, colleges and that the onus lies on the government to provide the facilities.

As per information, there are 33,000 persons with disability in Goa. The new Act, if  implemented in letter and spirit, will give a big relief to persons with disability. The minister further said, “Government has passed the Act and very soon the rules will be formulated. The file has been sent to the law department. We have taken note of how parents struggle in getting admission for their children with disability in schools.” The minister maintained that the social welfare department is committed towards the welfare of special children.

“The state government has given nod to appoint a separate deputy director (for social welfare department), who would look into the grievances of persons with disabilities in Goa.  We will also be appointing district-level officers to deal with grievances of persons with disabilities,” he said.

Madkaikar further assured that the Central government schemes would be introduced in the state similar to that of the ‘cochlear implantation scheme’ for children.

“We have requested the Central minister to extend the said scheme to children with disability up to eight years of age. Through this scheme, free surgery for hearing and visual impairment is carried out,” he added.

He also disclosed that on December 9, around 1,500 persons will be provided disability aids (equipment).  The keynote speaker George Abraham appealed to the people to have a positive look towards these special persons as they are also talented.
Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/new-act-will-be-boon-for-persons-with-disability-madkaikar/