Move to repeal National Trust Act, 1999 opposed

GUWAHATI: PASS, an organization of parents for the welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwlDDs), has expressed serious concern over the reported proposal of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India to repeal the National Trust Act, 1999, as recommended by the Niti Ayog.

PASS has been working for the permanent care, shelter and rehabilitation of persons with multiple disabilities of the north-eastern region in addressing the crucial worry & anxiety of parents — what after us – and has been running a residential home-cum-care centre at Birubari, Guwahati.

"If the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJ&E) repeals the National Trust Act, 1999, it will deliver a huge blow to the rights of PwIDDs which is the most marginalized and deprived section of even the population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Not only that but it will be an unabashed violation of India's commitment to the UN CRPD of protecting and ensuring the rights of PwDs by being a signatory to UN Convention," PASS said in a statement issued to the press.

"The National Trust Act enacted by Parliament in December 1999 was a special and precious gift of the Millennium by the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which ensured the fulfillment of specific needs of PwIDDs and provided the necessary measures for their welfare. It ensured their rehabilitation and introduced many schemes like NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme, Gl TAROUNDA Permanent Residential Scheme and Legal GUARDIANSHIP to take care of their personal needs, property and financial rights," the statement said.

By repealing the NT Act, the PwIDDs which constitute nearly three to four per cent of the total population of the country will be deprived of these essential services provided to them under the Act.

"We, therefore strongly express our opposition to the move and appeal to the Prime Minister to intervene and withdraw the proposal immediately," the statement added.

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