Disabled Rights Group calls for larger 'share' in XIth 5-yr plan

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) The Disabled Rights Group (DRG) has decried the government's indifference towards the disabled while finalising the 11th Five Year Plan for 2007-2012, with no consultation by experts or poor representation in Working Groups formed to discuss plan parameters.

Giving representation to the disabled is not just about equal rights or parity in resources distribution, but about bringing dignity to their lives and empowering them, said DRG convenor Javed Abidi addressing mediapersons this evening.

''The government's indifference could be gauged from the fact that ever since the formation of the 'Steering Committee' (which finalises proposals for the plan period) in May this year, only one meeting has taken place despite the fact that September is the deadline for proposal submission.'' The ignorance and incompetance on the part of the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Social Justice towards the disabled speaks volumes on the way the government cares and functions for the underprivileged, he said.

''We want that our voice and rights be included as it concerns not just our future but the also of the younger disabled people -- the children and youth -- whom we don't want to suffer the same way we did.'' If the next five years, which are critical for our rights, our cause and concerns and our future, are overlooked it would affect the resource allocation for the cause of disability that we all represent, he added.

UNI AN VD KP1755