New Delhi:
After much uproar and jibe sessions over currency ban in the winter session, Parliament on Friday passed the Disabilities Bill. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 stipulates up to two year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons.
Lok Sabha passed the Disabilities Bill within just two hours followed by a short debate on the last day of the winter session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present in the House during the bill’s passing. Earlier this week, the Upper House Rajya Sabha had also passed the bill with rare unanimity.
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Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot announced that a scheme of 'universal identity card for the disabled' is on the anvil and an agency has already been finalised for the purpose.
The proposed card would also be linked to the Aadhar card to help the disabled all over the country in a seamless fashion, he said.
To make the process easier, government has joined hands with German and British firms for making available state-of-the-art limbs to the disabled wherever possible. Members from both sides supported the bill but suggested certain changes to improve the measure.
