NHRC member annoyed by DCs' absence in national conference

Bangalore, Aug 19 (UNI) The absence of Deputy Commissioners at a national conference on 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Role of the Executive and the Judiciary' drew flak from National Human Rights Commission member Mr Justice Shivaraj V Patil, here today.

Delivering the keynote address at the conference, organised by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Karnataka, Mr Justice Patil came down heavily on the DCs, designated as commissioners for persons with disabilities in their respective districts, for choosing not to attend the conference, despite getting invitations. Out of the total 27 DCs, only two from Chickmagalur and Bijapur were taking part in the conference, aimed at creating awareness and adopting pro-active methods to ensure proper implementation of constitutional rights of the handicapped.

Appealing to the Executive to get more involved in such programmes, he said the executives in-charge of enforcement have the onerous duty and responsibility to ensure that the fruits of various legislations, programmes and policies meant for the physically challenged reached them.

Union Minister of State for Surface Transport K H Muniyappa, who was also present, criticised the State officials and DCs for their absence and said it reflected the attitude of the State Government towards the under-privileged.

UNI MV GD TS1608