Bhubaneswar, September 19: Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy participated in a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) programme in Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in parliamentary democracy.
Speaking at a session titled“Accessible Parliament: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities,” Padhy cited the example of sage Ashtavakra and said the contribution of persons with disabilities to Indian culture and civilisation has been significant.
She said several persons with disabilities have represented people in India’s democratic institutions and contributed to the country’s development. Referring to the 2024 General Elections, she said more than 90 lakh persons with disabilities were registered as voters. The increasing digitisation of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, she added, could further facilitate greater representation and participation of persons with disabilities in democratic processes.
Padhy also highlighted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, describing it as an important legislative measure aimed at promoting equality, accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities.
Highlighting initiatives in Odisha, the Speaker said the Banishree Scholarship and the Bhim Bhoi Bhinnakshyam Samarthya Abhiyan are among the key programmes supporting the education and empowerment of students with disabilities.
She further said the State is providing support to persons with disabilities in areas including assistive devices, skill development, rehabilitation, special education, social security, sports and livelihood opportunities.
The session was attended by Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato, Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master, and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, who also participated in the discussion.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhawani Shankar Bhoi and Secretary Satyabrata Rout are also accompanying Speaker Surama Padhy at the conference.
