HC asks authorities to create enabling environment for disabled persons
Srinagar, Feb 15: Stressing for creation of an enabling environment for disabled persons in the state, the J&K High Court Friday directed the Secretary and other officers of the Legal Services Authority (LSA) to ensure availability of benefits under different schemes meant for these persons.
“It is essential to ensure that an enabling environment is created in the state of Jammu and Kashmir for all the disabled persons,” the court observed.
“The status report (filed by the government about the facilities for disabled under various schemes) shall also be circulated to all the Secretaries, District LSAs,” directed the court.
“The officers shall ensure that the benefits of the schemes mentioned therein and encompassing health, rehabilitation and education are informed and provided to every disabled person in the state.”
The status report filed by the Social Welfare Department mentioned that the Government of India has approved and released Rs 42.74 lakhs for creation of barrier-free environment in seven buildings located in J&K.
“More so, DPRs of 16 more buildings are stated to have been submitted to the Government of India recently,” the report further informed.
The judges further directed the respondent officials to place before court the details of the creation of facilities which are to be designated for persons with disabilities.
They also said that it is necessary that academic institutions provide an enabling environment for the disabled persons.
“University of Kashmir and Central University of Kashmir shall be arrayed as party respondents in the instant petition through their respective registrars,” directed the bench.
The Registrars of the two universities have been asked to submit a status report on the issues, on or before the next date of hearing, scheduled for 15th of March.
The court appointed Moksha Kazmi, advocate, as amicus curiae for assistance in the matter.
Rashid Paul is Associate Editor at Kashmir Images.
He can be reached at [email protected]
