Guarding their rights

At a time when sections that can be tapped as a potential vote multiplier are the centre of all attention, it is encouraging that Haryana has taken a valuable stride toward the welfare of a smaller segment of society — persons with disabilities. The latest Haryana Rights of the Persons with Disability Rules, 2019, framed under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, is an effort to assist them in everyday matters and put an end to any exploitation that may come their way. 

Rolling the plan in motion, the government has taken several novel measures, including in the main, the concept of ‘limited guardianship’ for overall personal care. It will be binding on the guardian to protect the interest of the person while taking decisions on his or her behalf. This would encompass ensuring the right to life, food, clothing and shelter, education, skill development, healthcare, and even religious needs and recreation — in short, a full-bodied experience of life itself, with self-respect and dignity. There is no reason why the differently abled should be deprived of any aspect of life, howsoever small. That Haryana recognises these needs, and is willing to act, should inspire other states to go down that road. 

A dedicated fund has also been envisioned, which would receive grants-in-aid from the state and Central government, corporate social responsibility initiatives and donations. A Committee for Research on Disability, too, will be part of the facilitating structure. The government should, at the same time, make ramps and other supportive infrastructure mandatory at all public places. There should be full compliance since it is the very basic step toward their wholesome inclusion into society. A good initiative should not be lost for want of will, effort or funds. A social welfare net fashioned by compassion, especially for its vulnerable populace, is what a state must constantly strive for. In that, Haryana has ticked another box on its social indicator.