Meghalaya State Assembly: 'Opposition takes up Job quota for differently-abled' https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170315/jsp/northeast/story_140629.jsp Opposition takes up Job quota for differently-abled Rining Lyngdoh
Chief minister Mukul Sangma speaks in the Assembly on Tuesday. Picture by UB Photos Shillong, March. 14: The Meghalaya government's failure to respect physically challenge persons and provide justice to citizens of the state was raised on the seventh day of the Assembly's budget session here today. Independent member from the Opposition John Leslee K. Sangma brought a motion for discussion in the House on the state government's failure to reserve posts for physically challenge persons while Opposition MLA of the Hill State People's Democratic Party Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit initiated a discussion on the government's failure to provide justice to citizens as enshrined in the Constitution. Criticising the government over the use of the words "disabled persons or person with disabilities or handicapped people" in its official documents, John said such words should be replaced with "differently-abled persons," arguing that such people do not lack behind. Independent member Saleng A. Sangma said the differently-abled, who needed attention of the government, were not getting any and were being deprived the right to get jobs and assistance. Saleng, however, lauded some missionaries and organisations which have extended help to the differently-abled in whichever way they could. Leader of the Opposition, Donkupar Roy, said the differently-abled face problems because the government is unable to fulfil the three per cent job reservation t and asked the state government to work it out according to the quota meant for them. Opposition member Jemino Mawthoh called for implementation of a roster system for the differently-abled. In his reply, chief minister Mukul Sangma admitted that many a time important issues concerning the welfare of physically challenged persons skipped the government's attention . He blamed recruiting agencies for their lack of clarity in filling up vacancies based on the quota but assured the House that the government would work out the vacancies available in different cadre posts. On the use of words such as "disabled persons or person with disabilities or handicapped people," Mukul said such definition reflected in the principle act relating to such persons. Justice to citizens Ardent raised the issue of providing justice to people, especially the weaker sections, in terms of healthcare facilities, job opportunities, enforcing of law, road connectivity and education. "The Constitution has assured justice to all citizens. Justice is not only for those living in urban centres or for people who are close to people at the helm of affairs and the influential people." He cited instances where poor patients could not pay medical bills and their families had to either take loan from moneylenders at an exorbitant rate of interest and ultimately end up losing their land and house, or leave a patient to die. "I am sure many families have been left homeless just to provide medical treatment to their near and dear ones," he said. Referring to the ban on coal mining and other mining activities, Ardent said mining of limestone in certain areas was being done by big players using machines whereas small miners using manual labour in their traditional way were not allowed to operate. Ardent alleged that laws and rules are bent to suit the rich and powerful and called for removal of social imbalances to provide equal opportunities to all. He referred to numerous cases of violation of human rights and constitutional provision, which deprived people of their right to equality before the law, and instances where police acted in favour of one party without carrying proper investigation. The MLA said schools in rural areas are in a pathetic condition and the service of teachers are not recognised in the state. Another Opposition member, Diosstarness Jyndiang spoke about the exploitation of people engaged in small business, farmers and consumers by big traders in different markets, and called for removing the disparities between the "haves" and the "have-nots" and ensure equal opportunities among citizens. In his reply, the chief minister said the government has been taking measures to address the issue of disparity among citizens. -- Avinash Shahi Doctoral student at Centre for Law and Governance JNU Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. 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