JKRPD bill 2018: Govt plans endless ‘benefits’ to specially abled
Srinagar: The government is set to provide several benefits to the persons with disabilities in terms of healthcare, rehabilitation and social security which are in accordance to the Jammu and Kashmir Rights of Persons with Disabilities (JKRPD) bill, 2018—the Bill that has been put out by the Department of Social Welfare for suggestions.
Ranging from free healthcare at the doorstep to the individuals with disabilities, the government by virtue of the bill, is set to provide essential medical facilities for life-saving emergency treatment and procedures to such individuals.
“The Government and the local authorities shall take necessary measures for the persons with disabilities to provide free healthcare in the vicinity especially in the rural area subject to such family income as may be notified,” reads the bill.
While several government hospitals are functioning without the ramp facility, the bill promises “barrier-free access” in all parts of Government and private hospitals and other healthcare institutions and centres.
While there is no system in place which would ensure priority basis attendance and treatment to the patients, in this case, patients with disabilities, the bill promises “priority in attendance and treatment.”
Ironically, for a person with disabilities, it is mandatory to be a government employee first to avail the benefits of the healthcare insurance as the bill states that the benefit of insurance is especially for the employees.
“The Government shall, by notification, make insurance schemes for their employees with disabilities,” the bill states.
However, in case of Social Security, the Bill states that comprehensive insurance scheme will be provided “for persons with disability, not covered under the Employees State Insurance Scheme, or another statutory or Government- sponsored insurance schemes.”
Moreover, the bill states that the Government and the local authorities shall take measures and make schemes or programmes to promote health care and prevent the occurrence of disabilities and for the said purpose shall, “undertake or cause to be undertaken surveys, investigations and research concerning the cause of occurrence of disabilities.”
The government, the bill states, will provide “essential medical facilities for life-saving emergency treatment and procedures and sexual and reproductive healthcare especially for women suffering from any kind of disability.”
Rehabilitation
Within their economic capacity and development, the Bill states that the Government and the local authorities shall “undertake or cause to be undertaken services and programmes of rehabilitation, particularly in the areas of health, education and employment for all persons with disabilities.”
Social Security
The Bill states that facilities will be provided “for persons including children with disabilities who have no family or have been abandoned, or are without shelter or livelihood.”
While taking care of women with disabilities, the Bill states that the government will “provide support to women with a disability for livelihood and for the upbringing of their children.”
Further, unemployment allowance, as per the Bill, will be provided to persons with disabilities “registered with Special Employment Exchange for more than two years and who could not be placed in any gainful occupation.”
Irfan Tramboo
