Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 10: The appointment of social activist Minati Behera as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability has sparked a controversy.
Several organisations and social activists in the state have questioned the appointment made by the state government, alleging Behera is ineligible for the post.
“On behalf of persons with disabilities, and people working for the cause, we would like to educate ourselves better about the credentials of our honourable commissioner as well as the experience that Madam has in the field of disability,” renowned social activist Sruti Mohapatra wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently.
“The position should be held by a person with expertise in the field of disability, and who is aware of the specifics of the different kinds of problems associated with disabled people. However, despite our efforts, we have been unable to get any information regarding her abilities and expertise,” the letter said.
However, referring to Section 60 of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and the Full Participation) Act, 1995, Mohapatra said the state government must have appointed a competitive person sensitive to the cause of differently-abled people.
Meanwhile, Behera said she hoped for cooperation. “I have been working for the cause of the differently-abled and I wish they cooperate with us for successful implementation of welfare programmes instituted by the state government for differently-abled persons,” Behera said.
The state government had appointed Behera as the new State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities April 6 following the retirement of Kasturi Mohapatra.
