Empowering People with Disabilities: CM Introduces Bills for Local Bodies Representation
A Step Towards Social Justice and Equal Opportunities
In a significant move to empower people with disabilities (PwDs), Chief Minister M K Stalin introduced bills to amend the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act and Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act. These amendments aim to enable the government to nominate one PwD in all rural and urban local bodies, ensuring their voices are heard in local governance.
Representation of PwDs in Local Bodies
- Upon becoming law, the legislation will enable the nomination of 650 PwDs in urban local bodies.
- Additionally, 12,913 PwDs will be nominated in village panchayats, 388 in panchayat unions, and 37 in district panchayats.
- Currently, only 35 elected members represent the disabled community in local bodies.
Stalin expressed his satisfaction with the introduction of the bills, stating that it is a historic day for the marginalized and their participation in governance.
Terms and Conditions for Nominees
- Two PwDs will be nominated as members where the council strength exceeds one hundred.
- The term of office for the nominee will coincide with the duration of the council.
- Nominees will be eligible for honoraria, fees, or allowances, similar to those provided to councillors.
- Their representation will cease to exist in the event of the dissolution of the elected council.
- They will not have the right to vote in any proceedings of the council.
A New Era for People with Disabilities
Disability rights activist T M N Deepak expressed his gratitude to the CM, acknowledging the beginning of a new era for people with disabilities. The UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol emphasize participation in political and public life, and the bills align with these goals.
Deepak and his colleagues were present in the visitors’ gallery during the bill’s presentation.
