Dear all,
I learnt that the following letter has been issued by the CCPD office in
this case. As per our expectations the Chief Commissioner has once again
taken decisive action. I wish we had such competent, unprejudiced, truthful
and and courageous officers in the departments in question.
Case No.421/1141/12-13
Dated: 16th January, 2013
To
The Vice Chancellor,
University of Delhi,
Delhi 110 007
Subject: Representation by Sambhavana Organization seeking intervention by
this Court/Office on their representation to Delhi University authorities.
Sir,
While enclosing herewith a copy of an elaborate petition/representation
(which is self-explanatory) dated 14 January, 2013 by an organization called
Sambhavana, I am directed to state as under:-
1. That a reading of the enclosed comprehensive
petition/representation by Sambhavana reveals that
students/teachers/non-teaching employees with disabilities studying/working
in Delhi University have certain grievances/demands and they want them to be
redressed/met by the Delhi University authorities.
2. That it is also clear from the enclosed
petition/representation that the petitioner organization wants that Delhi
University authorities (i) to constitute an Empowered Committee for drafting
a time-bound action plan for the resolution of issues mentioned in their
comprehensive petition/representation dated 08 Jan 13 to the Vice
Chancellor; and (ii) to announce a date on which it would organize a
Disability Summit where disabled persons would get an opportunity for
directly sharing their grievances with the Empowered Committee so that it
can propose a well-formulated time-bound action plan.
3. That expressing their animosity over the alleged
indifference by the Delhi University authorities to their
grievances/demands/the enclosed petition/representation alleges that Delhi
University authorities are intimidating those disabled persons/students who
are registering their protests. Following is the extract from the enclosed
petition/representation which is relevant in this regard:-
The situation is worst this time, because University has not only failed to
make any promise, but it is threatening those students who participated in
the 8th January protest demonstrations. The X Proctor, who is also the
Coordinator of Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC), the Deputy Proctor, and the
Deputy Dean who is also serving as the OSD in EOC are intimidating the
students on either phone or whenever they visit the DU NTPC Resource Center.
The students are being told that the University has prepared the video
recording of the demonstrations; and the University will not consider the
names of those students who participated in the demonstration for any
benefit/facilities vis-à-vis other students. We have been also told that
while intimidating the students, they are using derogatory and anti-disabled
language. This attitude of Delhi University authorities is strictly
anti-disabled and deplorable. We think that they should endeavour for
resolving the genuine issues disabled are fighting for, instead of
threatening the students, which would further compel them to intensify the
struggle. Both, our demands as well as our protest demonstrations are
democratic, legal and our constitutional rights. University should respect
these rights. It should enable us to exercise and enjoy these rights,
instead of crushing them through intimidation and harassment. If Delhi
University fails to positively respond and address the immediate issues
mentioned above, we will be compelled to intensify the struggle through a
hunger strike on Friday (18/01/2013) in DU and a march to MHRD on Friday
(8th February 2013).
4. That Section 59 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal
Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995
mandates the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities on his own
motion or on application of any aggrieved person or otherwise to look into
the complaints inter-alia, with respect to matters relating to deprivation
of rights of persons with disabilities and to take steps to safeguard the
rights and facilities made available to them.
5. That India has since ratified an International Human Rights
Treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD) which, inter-alia, incorporates the following
principles:-
(a) Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the
freedom to make ones own choices, and independence of persons;
(b) Non-discrimination;
(c) Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
(d) Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as
part of human diversity and humanity;
(e) Equality of opportunity;
(f) Accessibility;
(g) Equality between men and women;
(h) Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and
respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their
identities.
6. In the above view of the matter, the Chief Commissioner for
Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of India has advised that the matter be
looked into with a sense of urgency in order to ensure that rights of
persons with disabilities are not infringed/violated in any manner. Action
taken in respect of the matter may please be communicated to this Court
within 30 days from the date of receipt of this communication.
Yours faithfully,
Encl: As stated above
Sd/-
( S.S. Sinha )
Dy. Chief Commissioner
Copy to:
1. Shri Nikhil Jain, President, Sambhavana Organization, 350,
Pocket 5, Sector-2, Rohini, Delhi 110 085 [Email:
[email protected]]
2. Prof. Vikas Gupta [Email: [email protected]]
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