“Table Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill” - Nagarcoil ( Tamil Nadu )

The people, who are suffering from elephantiasis across the district, have urged the Government to table Rights of Persons with the Disabilities Bill in Parliament for their benefit.

The people with external manifestations living in Eraniel, Pudukadai, Karungal, Palliyadi, Attor, Talakkulam, Kootumangalam, Thiruvithancode, Nattalam and Padanthalumoodu are the worst affected persons and they are classified under grade III. The condition of persons with grade III and above manifestations is worse than the persons with disability.

The family and community reject these victims of Filariasis as ulcers develop in the swollen parts with nauseating smell during the advanced stage, said V. Arumugham Pillai, president of Kanyakumari district Filaria Control Movement, started in the year 1986.

He told The Hindu that as many as many as 3,342 persons with external manifestations are living in different parts of the district.

If such persons with third degree and above filariasis manifestations had been included under the disability category, they will eligible to get all the benefits entitled to the differently-abled persons.

It was a solace as the State government has been providing a monthly allowance of Rs.400 along with 35 kg free rice to the people with grade III manifestations. The amount had been enhanced to Rs.1,000 from April 2003, said Arumugham Pillai.


Source : The Hindu , 7th Jan 2014