PATTERNS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND EXCLUSION

A ctivity . Box . In a country where half the children in the age group of - are out of school how can there be space for children with disabilities, especially if a segregated schooling is being advocated for them ? Even if the legislation optimistically tries to make education available to every disabled child, parents in a village do not see this as instrumental in achieving any autonomy for their disabled child.

What they would prefer is perhaps a better way of fetching water from the well and improved agricultural facilities. Similarly, parents in an urban slum expect education to be related to a world of work that would enhance their child’s basic quality of life. Source: Anita Ghai ‘Disability in the Indian Context’, : complexities of other categories like caste and tribe have received attention. In the Indian context, caste, tribe and gender are now getting the attention they deserve.

But there remain categories that are still in need of attention, such as those who are marginalised by religion or by a combination of categories. More complex formations like groups defined by religion and caste, gender and religion, or caste and region are likely to claim our attention in the near future, as shown, for example, by the Sachar Committee Report on the Muslim community. ‘Disabled-unfriendly’ Courts Describing the non-consideration of handicapped persons for Judge posts as an “exclusive” policy of the higher judiciary, a senior jurist says by continuing to ignore the handicapped, the judiciary is violating a statutory mandate. “The High Court building itself is far from disabled-friendly.” All entrances to the actual court complex are preceded by staircases and none of them has a ramp.

Even to access the limited elevator facility, one has to climb several steps. The condition of the City Civil Court, where many handicapped or injured persons come to depose before courts hearing accident claims cases, is worse. One can see disabled, injured or old people being carried up the stairs by their companions, says an advocate. The Hindu Wednesday August .