Bhubaneswar: Democracy must ensure equality for every citizen and this principle can never change despite new challenges posed by changing world order and technology, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy said at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
Participating in the ‘Accessible Parliament: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities’ session of the conference, Speaker Padhy gave the example of Rishi Ashtavakra and said the contribution of differently-abled persons to Indian culture and civilisation is undeniable.
“Many differently-abled persons have represented the Indian democracy and contributed to the progress of the nation,” she said. Padhy said that in the 2024 general elections, more than 90 lakh differently-abled persons were registered as voters. Digitisation of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies will further ensure their representation and participation, she added.
She said the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’ enacted by the Centre has brought about equality, accessibility and participation for differently-abled persons.
The Speaker also highlighted Odisha government’s initiatives including ‘Bani Shree Scholarship’ and ‘Bhima Bhoi Bhinnakshyama Samarthya Abhiyan’ to support differently-abled students in education. She mentioned that assistance is being provided in the state for assistive devices, skill development, rehabilitation, special education, social security, sports and livelihood opportunities.
On the occasion, Jharkhand Speaker Rabindranath Mahato, Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde were present and participated in the discussion.
It is worth noting that along with Speaker Padhy, Deputy Speaker Bhavani Shankar Bhoi and Assembly Secretary Satyabrat Rout have also joined the conference.
