Rajya Sabha Passes Bill On Rights Of Differently-Abled

It also strengthens the office of chief commissioner and state commissioners for Persons with Disabilities which will act as regulatory bodies. 

The bill was examined by the parliamentary standing committee last year. Then, a Group of Ministers, headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, examined its provisions and sent their recommendations to the Prime Minister's Office.
Earlier in the day during Zero Hour, members cutting 

across party line demanded that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014 be passed without discussion. 

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said priority should be given to the passage of the Bill. "This should be passed without any discussion." 

He said if the Bill is not passed today, it cannot be taken up by the Lok Sabha for passage in the current session ending Friday. "You can take it up right now (and) pass it straight away without any discussion," he said. Similar views were expressed by Mayawati (BSP) and Naresh Agarwal (SP). 

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the bill could be taken up immediately. 

Initially, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said though he is happy that there is consensus in the House for passage of an important legislation, procedurally it is listed for 1400 hours and should be taken up only then. 

But he relented and allowed it to be advanced considering the unanimity in the House. 

Gehlot, who had moved the legislation last week, said it was first introduced in February 2014 and thereafter sent to the Standing Committee. 

Of the 82 suggestions the panel made, 59 have been incorporated in the bill, he said, adding that a number of categories of disabled has been increased from 7 to 21. 

Karan Singh (Cong) said five per cent of people in the country suffered from some form of disability. The government, he said, should ensure that 4 per cent reservation provided to them is filled up also. 

A public education campaign should also be launched to sensitise people about the rights and courtesies to be extended to the disabled, he said. 

Naresh Agrawal (SP) said the definition of disabled should be relaxed and the procedure for obtaining disability certificate be eased. He also demanded raising reservation quote for them. 

Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the government should ensure that none of the vacancies against the quota of disabilities remain vacant. 

C P Narayanan (CPI-M) said the amendments curtailed the rights of the disabled and unless these were corrected, the benefits will not accrue to them.
During the consideration of the bill, some members 

pointed out that the reservation for the disabled should be against the cadre strength and not vacancies. 

In response to some amendments moved by K K Ragesh and Yechury (both CPI-M), Gehlot said while framing rules efforts would be made to ensure that four per cent reservation is granted against cadre strength. 

Yechury also pointed out that the original bill had a provision of 5 per cent reservation for the disabled, but the amendment was for 4 per cent only. 

To this, Gehlot said the bill has raised the quota from the prevailing 3 pct to 4 pct. 

The process of passing the measure could not be completed during the Zero Hour and was taken up at 1400 hours. 

When the clock struck noon, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Hamid Ansari wanted to take up the Question Hour. Some members expressed the opinion that the process of consideration and passage of the Bill be continued. 

Ansari however insisted that Question Hour should be taken up. 

Meanwhile, Congress members were seen on their feet, including its Deputy Leader Anand Sharma, with some of them being heard raising slogans over allegations against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. 

Ansari pressed for taking up the Question Hour and was heard saying there cannot be a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character. However as the protests continued, he adjourned the House till 1400 hours.

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