Representatives of December 3 Movement, which champions the rights and dignity of life of disabled people have welcomed the Congress’ manifesto titled ‘Nyay Patra’ for promising representation to the different abled in local bodies. They met TNCC president Selvaperunthagai at the Satyamurthi Bhavan on Sunday and thanked him.
Later, Mr. Selvaperunthagai told journalists that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had met disability rights activists on September 7 when he undertook Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir and discussed in detail about the demands and needs of the disabled people in India.
“He had said the Congress’ manifesto would feature promises related to disabled people’s rights. In particular, discrimination based on disability defined by Article 15 and 16 would be expanded. Additionally, Braille will be recognised as a separate language. Also, when Congress was in power in Chhattisgarh, disabled people were given reservations in local bodies. In our manifesto, we have promised reservations in local bodies across India,” he said.
The promises made in the manifesto has been welcomed by the disabled community, he said. Adverting to other issues, he questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not responded to an invitation for a debate extended by Justice (Retd) Madan B. Lokur, Justice (Retd) Ajit P. Shah and N. Ram, Director, THG Publishing Private Limited, when Congress Mr Gandhi had accepted it.
Deepak Nathan, founder, December 3 Movement, said he had reiterated to Mr Gandhi that top to bottom approach will not work and that the change should happen at the local bodies when it comes to making facilities such as bathrooms and toilets accessible to disabled people.
“If disability is added to Article 15 and 16 through an amendment, it would make a huge difference. We didn’t really expect Congress to add this to their manifesto but we are happy that they have done it,” he said.
Mr. Deepak said the Congress manifesto has become the hero because it is inclusive.
