PANJIM: Directions for protection and safety of persons with disabilities, during the lockdown, have been issued to the State/UT Commissioners for such persons.
In a communiqué, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has directed the commissioners to implement comprehensively the disability inclusive guidelines issued by the department on March 26.
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According to the communiqué, the Commissioners are required to serve as State Nodal Authority to ensure implementation in close coordination with all authorities so that hardship to persons with disabilities (PwDs) during the lockdown period is minimised. It is hoped that the State Commissioners are taking necessary action proactively in accordance with the above guidelines.
As per these guidelines, (a) local movement passes for caregivers of persons with disabilities during lockdown needs to be issued in a simplified manner on priority, and (b) the persons with disabilities are also required to be given access to food, water, medicine.
The communiqué notes that since NGOs and Association of PwDs are also working to assist such persons in their daily living and essential items, there is a need to have coordination with these organisations to ensure smooth flow of support services for PwDs.
Noting that it has been receiving complaints regarding difficulties being faced by PwDs in getting services of caregivers, maids and access to essential items due to non-issue of travel passes to NGOs/PwD Associations/ caregivers etc, the department has requested the Commissioners to tie up with authorities concerned to streamline issue of local travel passes to caregivers so that there is no delay in providing support to differently abled persons.
The Commissioners are instructed to sensitise local law enforcement authorities in this regard (Police/SDM etc.). The department has asked the Commissioners to ensure that PwD COVID-19 patients are not turned out from hospitals and health care institutions.
