Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, visited the rehabilitation camp for LCDPs on 06.12.2018 at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. During his visit, he interacted with LCDPs, Math volunteers, and supporters of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) service.
Swami Vimurtananda, Manager, Sri Ramakrishna Math, welcomed Dr. Pandey and briefed him on the CBR initiatives for LCDPs and how these services have evolved into a successful and sustainable model over time. Dr. Pandey held a brainstorming session with the Math team regarding the challenges faced by LCDPs in various aspects of life.
Dr. Pandey also discussed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and received valuable feedback on ways to strengthen the Act to better support persons with disabilities, particularly LCDPs. He acknowledged the need for certain amendments, including: (1) simplifying the process of obtaining disability certificates, especially for Grade I deformities; (2) addressing social stigma faced by LCDPs, recognizing that they experience both physical and social disabilities; and (3) ensuring that, in case of conflict with other existing discriminatory Acts (over 120 Acts and 150+ discriminatory provisions), the RPWD Act, 2016, has overriding effect.
Dr. Pandey appreciated the efforts of Sri Ramakrishna Math in empowering LCDPs through its effective and viable CBR model involving active participation of family members. He also expressed his delight upon witnessing the artistic works, drawings, paintings, and handicrafts prepared and displayed by LCDPs.
During the session, one LCDP volunteer, Shri. Deivasigamani shared his personal experience of losing a government job due to leprosy despite being medically cured and fully fit for the role. He said the legal discrepancy where, although leprosy is medically curable, it is still considered legally incurable. Dr. Pandey took note of this issue and assured that he would make every effort to address such challenges with the committed support of the Government.
The event was attended by Mrs. Padma Venkataraman, President, Women’s Indian Association (WIA), Shri A.Padmanathan, Secretary, Uttar Tamil Nadu SAKSHAM, and Smt. Kuyili Rajasekaran of SAKSHAM. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Swami Dharmishtananda, In-Charge, Charitable Dispensary, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai.