NEW DELHI, Feb 23: Stating that there was a shortage of over 1.5 lakh trained professionals in the disability sector in 2012, a parliamentary panel has asked the Government to create better prospects for those looking to work in the area.
In a report tabled in Parliament, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment cited the Government’s own data to state that there was a shortfall of 1,58,598 professionals in the disability sector in 2012.
Expressing concern, the panel chaired by Hemanand Biswal said that the primary reason for the shortfall was the poor compensation and pay packages given to those working in the sector.
In a landmark judgement, Delhi High Court had in September, 2009, directed Delhi Government to ensure equal terms and conditions of service for special teachers with those having diplomas and degrees in general education, the panel noted.
It recommended that the Department of Disability Affairs take up with the HRD Ministry and state Governments that matter of giving good pay packages to those working in the disability sector.
To encourage more young people to take up this noble profession, these workers should have good promotional avenues on a par with those employed in normal schools and universities, the panel added.
It also said that the national institutes in the disability sector should get greater funds so that they may fulfil their primary objective of training manpower, capacity building and research while catering to patients.
The panel stressed on the need for a legislation for persons with disabilities which would be in consonance with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (PTI)
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