Fwd: UPDATE : Cancelled because Mission Accomplished! RPDA SAVED!

[Vaishnavi Jayakumar]

Hi everyone!

Thanks to your overwhelming support the RPDA has been saved from dilution! Read : http://bit.ly/rpda-saved

MSJE's Disability Dept has taken a step back and withdrawn the amendment notice (pasted below). So 9-7-20 Zoom meeting #SaveRPDA, Save Social Sector : English Deadline Eve Discussion Thu 9 Jul 2020 6:30pm – 8:30pm IST is cancelled and disabled Indians can relax. (But Indian citizens still need to be watchful with the Indian Govt's decriminalisation drive lest more citizen disempowering provisions are passed.)

In the meantime,  read and rejoice!

http://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/content/Decriminalisation.docx :

Government of India

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

 

Decriminalization of Minor Offences For Improving Business Sentiment And Unclogging Court Processes – Decision not to proceed with the proposal for amendment to the RPwD Act, 2016

 

As a part of the ongoing exercise to reform governance, each Central Ministry/Department was advised to undertake a comprehensive review of all legislations under their administrative control to identify provisions for decriminalization of offences and rationalization of penalties with a view to de-clogging the criminal justice system and improving business sentiments. Accordingly, this Department undertook an exercise to identify offences and penalties under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which could be considered for decriminalization.

As an initial step, the Department proposed to initiate stakeholders consultation regarding incorporating a provision to allow compounding of offences under Sections 89, 92(a) and 93 of the RPwD Act, 2016 with the consent of aggrieved persons with disabilities. Accordingly, on 1^st July 2020, the Department invited suggestions/objections from stakeholders on the proposed amendment as per the prescribed template.

During the consultation process, the Department received feedback from various stakeholders, majority of whom opined that the existing provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016 are appropriate safeguards for PwDs, and are essential for the effective implementation of the Act. They were of the view that compounding of offences would dilute the spirit of the said Act for protecting and preserving the rights of persons with disabilities.

Keeping in view the overall  sentiments of the majority of stakeholders, the Department is now of the considered view, that going ahead with the proposed amendment for compounding of offences may not be in the interest of persons with disabilities. Therefore, it has been decided by the Department that there is sufficient ground to close the consultation process and not to pursue the proposed amendment to the RPwD Act, 2016.

WE, the People (with disabilities) of India, is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting :  '#SaveRPDA, Save Social Sector : English 'Deadline Eve' Discussion ' The Govt is on a drive across sectors to decriminalise "minor offences for ease of business and to declog court processes." What happens with India's disability act today, will happen with other laws tomorrow adversely affecting the ordinary Indian citizen in education, health, social protection, financial savings, consumer protection etc Join us to stop yet another instance of tampering with laws in the name of business development. Skim before we meet : Easy Read FAQ http://bit.ly/saverpda-faq  Endorse our position : http://bit.ly/saverpda  JOIN  Zoom Meeting : Meeting ID: 883 6171 2635 Password: 493669    or click this link :  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88361712635?pwd=aElKN2h3VFFVSGFOeGhlWVRVSVRnZz09 or join by Skype for Business https://us02web.zoom.us/skype/88361712635 For Zoom help read https://bit.ly/zoom-f1 Indian Sign Language interpreter will be available.  Email disabilityrig...@gmail.com for any other support you may require.