Office Of The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

Office Of The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

As per Census 2001, there were 2.19 Crores (2.13% of the Population) persons with disabilities. The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in its 58th rounds during July-December 2002, estimated that the number of persons with disabilities in India was 1.85 Crores (1.85% of Population).

THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND FULL PARTICIPATION) ACT, 1995. This was published on 1st January 1996 and was notified on 7th February, 1996.

The Persons with Disabilities Act basically enlists facilities that persons with different types of disabilities would be entitled to and the responsibilities and obligations which are placed on the Government of India, State Governments, local bodies, public and private sector enterprises, and others in this behalf. It broadly includes measures for prevention and early detection of disabilities, education, employment, social security, research and manpower development, barrier-free access and preferences and facilities that are available to such persons and the action which needs to be taken to avoid any discrimination against persons with disabilities.

It has been provided in the Act that there shall be a Chief Commissioner at the Govt. of India level and a Commissioner in each State of the Union/UT, who would be broadly responsible to :

a)  Monitor the utilization of funds disbursed by the Central Government and compliance of various provisions of the Act.

b)  Safeguard the rights and facilities made available to persons with disabilities. Coordinate work of the State Commissioners.

The Chief Commissioner is authorized; on his/her own motion or on the application of any aggrieved person, or otherwise look into complaints relating to :

a)  Deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities

b)  Non-implementation of laws, rules, bye-laws, instructions issued by appropriate authorities for the welfare and protection of rights of the disabled.

The Chief Commissioner is vested with the power of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure. The proceedings before the Chief Commissioner shall be judicial proceedings within the meaning of Section 193 and 223 of the IPC and it shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for this purpose.Read More……….