Key-note address by Hon'ble Dr. Justice Shivaraj V.Patil on Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Role of the Executive & the Judiciary
Dr. Justice Shivaraj V.Patil, Member, NHRC has said that mere enactment of laws is not enough but their enforcement is necessary to get desired results. In his keynote address at the National conference on Rights of persons with disabilities in Bangalore last month, Justice Patil said that laws by itself could not protect the rights of persons with disabilities. He said a vigilant society, honest law enforcing agencies, dedicated NGO's, Independent Media, Pro-active Judiciary and Awareness of the Rights and remedies while dealing with Rights of the disabled persons will go a long way in helping and protecting the human rights of such people. He said the success of any efforts on the issue depends on the persons engaged therein. He said what is required is a constrictive attitude and positive mind set of the people working in legal framework.
Justice Patil highlighted that there has been a change in the trend and India has awakened to the thoughts that persons with disabilities too have rights as against earlier approach of welfare, charity or sympathy. Justice Patil said that the Constitution of our country guarantees persons with disabilities the full range of civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights. Till recently, no appropriate arrangements for realization of these rights was in place. The Human Rights approach to disability has resulted in evolution of an impressive legal framework and positive jurisprudence. He said fights for the rights of persons with disabilities should not be merely an event but it must be an effective movement to see that their rights are really observed and enforced. Dr. Patil emphasized the need for the executive and the feel functionaries to be sensitive to the Rights of the disabled persons. He said as per cencus of 2001 India has 2.2 crore persons with disabilities and the highest percentage of 48.5 are visually imperiled. He said the number of disabled is increasing in all age groups. Dr. Patil said that the NHRC has played a proactive roll in enforcing the rights guaranteed by the Constitution for the disabled and as taken steps for effective implementation of the persons with Disability Act, 1995. He said, however, much work to be done for the full realization of the rights of the disabled and to achieve this there is a need of mending the mind set, altering the attitude and greater commitment to the cause of protecting and promoting rights of persons with disability.
The National Conference was organized by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities- Karnataka.
Justice Patil highlighted that there has been a change in the trend and India has awakened to the thoughts that persons with disabilities too have rights as against earlier approach of welfare, charity or sympathy. Justice Patil said that the Constitution of our country guarantees persons with disabilities the full range of civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights. Till recently, no appropriate arrangements for realization of these rights was in place. The Human Rights approach to disability has resulted in evolution of an impressive legal framework and positive jurisprudence. He said fights for the rights of persons with disabilities should not be merely an event but it must be an effective movement to see that their rights are really observed and enforced. Dr. Patil emphasized the need for the executive and the feel functionaries to be sensitive to the Rights of the disabled persons. He said as per cencus of 2001 India has 2.2 crore persons with disabilities and the highest percentage of 48.5 are visually imperiled. He said the number of disabled is increasing in all age groups. Dr. Patil said that the NHRC has played a proactive roll in enforcing the rights guaranteed by the Constitution for the disabled and as taken steps for effective implementation of the persons with Disability Act, 1995. He said, however, much work to be done for the full realization of the rights of the disabled and to achieve this there is a need of mending the mind set, altering the attitude and greater commitment to the cause of protecting and promoting rights of persons with disability.
The National Conference was organized by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities- Karnataka.