PM Modi to pay tributes at Statue of Unity on Sardar Patel’s 151st birth anniversary

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to ensure the effective functioning of statutory grievance redressal mechanisms under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale sought a response from the Union government and directed that the matter be tagged to a pending petition raising similar issues. The case has been listed for further hearing on July 21.

The PIL, filed by lawyer and disability rights advocate Shashank Pandey, has sought directions for the effective implementation of recommendations issued by the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) and State Commissioners, as well as measures to address gaps in the composition, resourcing, and functioning of Disability Commissions across the country.

According to the petition, the RPwD Act established the offices of the Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners as the primary enforcement and oversight bodies for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

However, it is alleged that these institutions have been rendered only partially effective due to persistent implementation failures.

Highlighting structural deficiencies, the petition stated that executive authorities frequently fail to comply with recommendations issued by Disability Commissions and, in many cases, do not even furnish reasons for such non-compliance, despite a statutory requirement to do so.

“In a large majority of cases, authorities neither comply with the recommendations nor provide any justification, thereby undermining the statutory mandate,” the plea submitted, adding that penal provisions meant to enforce compliance remain largely unused.

The petition further alleged that most Disability Commissions lack basic institutional infrastructure, including public-facing websites and online grievance redressal systems.

It claimed that only 4 State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities currently offer online grievance registration, while 20 State Commissions do not have functional websites.

It also highlighted the absence of advisory committees envisaged under the RPwD Act to assist the Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners, stating that no such committees appear to have been constituted.

The plea raised concerns over vacancies in the disability rights watchdog. It said there has been no full-time Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities since 2019, with senior government officials holding the position as an additional charge, contrary to the statutory framework.

Referring to a representation submitted to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in January this year, the petitioner said no action had been taken to address the issues flagged.

“The grievance redressal machinery for giving effect to such rights and entitlements has been rendered partially ineffective due to implementation gaps,” the petition said, adding that persons with disabilities continue to face “structural exclusion due to the ineffective functioning of statutory enforcement mechanisms”.

The plea has sought directions to strengthen enforcement powers and institutional accountability mechanisms under the RPwD Act to ensure “effective, uniform, and meaningful protection of disability rights across India”.

–IANS

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Imphal, May 23 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday emphasised the importance of young people remaining connected to their roots, traditions and cultural values while progressing in an increasingly modern and globalised environment.

The Governor made the remarks while flagging off the Manipur contingent that will participate in the 11th SPIC MACAY International Convention to be held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, in West Bengal.

The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) is a voluntary and non-political cultural movement aimed at introducing students and young people to Indian classical music, dance, folk traditions, crafts, yoga, meditation, heritage walks, classic cinema and various other aspects of Indian and global cultural heritage.

This year’s week-long convention, scheduled to be held from May 25 to 31, is expected to bring together young participants from across India and several countries abroad, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, artistic learning and interaction among youths from diverse backgrounds.

A total of 18 members from Manipur, including teachers and students from Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi, along with participants from the Manipur University of Culture, will represent the state at the international convention.

During an interaction with the students and accompanying teachers, Governor Bhalla congratulated the participants and expressed confidence that the convention would provide them with broader exposure to India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage as well as global artistic traditions.

He advised the students to make full use of the opportunity by learning as much as possible from the various sessions, performances and workshops organised during the convention.

The Governor also encouraged them to interact with fellow participants from different states and countries to gain wider perspectives and experiences. Bhalla further said that such platforms not only help young people appreciate cultural diversity but also strengthen values of unity, creativity and mutual understanding among communities.

The flag-off ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Imphal in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries, including the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), the Deputy Inspector General of 9 Sector Assam Rifles, the Chief Patron and President of the SPIC MACAY Imphal Chapter, coordinating officers and representatives of Assam Rifles Public Schools at Mantripukhri and Keithelmanbi.

–IANS

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Aizawl, June 2 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting L. Murugan on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government accord high priority to the development of the entire Northeast region.

Addressing an interactive session in Kolasib district, the Union Minister said the Prime Minister has often emphasised that the development of the Northeast is integral to India’s development. He added that significant efforts are being undertaken to improve road connectivity and infrastructure in the region to further enhance the quality of life of the people.

Murugan also appreciated Heads of Offices and NGO representatives for their dedicated efforts and contributions in their respective fields. He expressed his satisfaction with the visible progress made in sports and women’s empowerment.

Highlighting the continuous improvement in connectivity, he mentioned that the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is now operational, and the Rajdhani Express has already started running between Delhi and Sairang, near Aizawl. The visiting Minister noted that this has greatly attracted tourists to Mizoram, resulting in a significant increase in visitors from outside the state.

He highlighted that the state government and the Ministry of DoNER are working closely together to develop the district and the state. As the region is prioritised for development, the Central government has been highly supportive, resulting in rapid progress.

Speaking about his own portfolio, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, he expressed his delight that Mizo filmmakers have been able to participate in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and other platforms.

The Minister said he would encourage major filmmakers to shoot their films in Mizoram’s beautiful locations. He added that continuous progress is being aimed at by putting in the utmost efforts into the tourism and cinema sectors.

Murugan urged the attendees to make their best efforts towards implementing the Central government’s ‘PM Surya Ghar’ (rooftop solar scheme) initiative.

On the topic of education, he emphasised that primary education is crucial as it forms the foundation.

Expressing concern over the high dropout rate among students, the Minister stated that maximum effort is needed to motivate both children and their parents. He also called upon the gathering to give their absolute best to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, an initiative aimed at making India a fully developed and prosperous nation by the year 2047.

Representatives from various NGOs, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), and the Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA), Kolasib, participated in the interactive session.

Later, the Union Minister held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Kolasib District, H. Dolianbuaia, and the Heads of Offices from various departments.

During the interactive session with the Union Minister, a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the profile of Kolasib District and the progress of various government schemes was showcased. This was followed by a Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session.

Murugan also visited the Kolasib District Hospital and held a productive interactive session regarding healthcare delivery and hospital infrastructure.

On Wednesday, the Union Minister is scheduled to conduct site visits to a PM SHRI School, an Anganwadi Centre, Diakkawn High School, Regional Sports Training Centre Saidan, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research campus.

–IANS

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