Introducing the disability rights group (DRG) bill in the Rajya Sabha amid a din, the government fulfilled the promise made by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi to rights groups. It was the first bill to be introduced in the resumed winter session of Parliament, which started on Wednesday.
The two top Congress leaders had assured the disability rights groups that the government would introduce the bill in the resumed winter session, but said the bill’s passage was Parliament’s prerogative.
READ: Passing pro-people bills in Parliament Rahul's litmus test
However, the bill could not be taken up for discussion amid ongoing pandemonium over the creation of Telangana. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury wanted the bill to be referred to a parliamentary committee for further discussion.
Expressing disappointment, Javed Abidi of Disabled Rights Group said the BJP and CPM had promised not to politicise the issue. “We are very hopeful they will not disappoint us when the House reconvenes,” a news agency quoted him as saying. However, some other groups described the bill as “eyewash” and sought its total revamp.
The bill widens the ambit of disability from seven to 19 categories and provides for reservation to differently abled people.
{{/usCountry}}The bill widens the ambit of disability from seven to 19 categories and provides for reservation to differently abled people.
{{/usCountry}}READ: Chidambaram doubtful about passage of key bills, PM hopes parties will set aside prejudices