Brinda Karat writes to PM on rehabilitation council

CPI-M leader Brinda Karat Friday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seeking his intervention in the appointment of the chairperson of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which she said plays a big role in advancing the interests of the disabled.

Karat said the post has not been filled despite the selection committee making its recommendations almost a year back and directions from the court.

"It is extremely unfortunate that for almost a year after the Selection Committee made its recommendations in June 2012, the new chairman has not been selected. As you know, the RCI has a considerable role to play in advancing the interests of the disabled. Keeping the chairperson's post in limbo for such a long period is unjust and unfair to the institution and to those it is meant to serve," Karat said in her letter.

She said the National Federation of the Blind had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court on the issue.

"On April 3, 2013, the High Court directed that within three weeks the recommendations of the Selection Committee should be made to the ACC (Appointment Committee of Cabinet) and the appointment made without delay. The court direction itself was made over a month ago yet no appointment has not been made," she said.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist leader said the court had taken note of the prayer of the petitioners that the recommendation of the Selection Committee for a particular candidate, who was visually disabled, should be accepted.

She said implementation of the court's directions would be in the best interests of the institution and of those with disability.

"This is to request your urgent intervention to ensure that the direction of the Court on both aspects is implemented without any delay," Karat told the prime minister.