On 19 August, the Gandaki Provincial Assembly passed a bill to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. During the discussion, MPs Dilliram Subedi, Bhakt Bahadur Kunwar, Sushila Simkhada, Panchram Gurung, and Sunita Thapa shared their views. The proposal, presented by Minister for Social Development, Youth, and Sports Bindukumar Thapa, was unanimously approved by the Assembly. The bill is expected to help eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination against people with disabilities, including caste and gender-based discrimination. The bill respects civil, economic, social, and cultural rights. It also provides for the protection and empowerment of persons with disabilities, and incorporates principles of proportionality, inclusivity, and participation.
The bill includes provisions to ensure access to education, healthcare, employment, public transportation, as well as support for developing a self-reliant lifestyle. The bill is expected to provide additional benefits and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities after its implementation.
According to the bill, the classification and identification of disabilities will be carried out by federal law. It also includes a provision to take legal action against anyone who provides false information to obtain an identification card, under existing laws. Through this act, people with disabilities will be guaranteed the right to protection, civic participation, information and communication, mobility, establishment of organizations, privacy, free education, training, employment and self-employment, free healthcare, community rehabilitation, sports, arts, culture, and recreation.
The bill stipulates that the provincial government and local bodies are responsible for the effective implementation of these rights. Structural provisions, such as the formation of education, health, and steering committees, are also included in the bill.