National Conference on Leprosy and
Disability
30th& 31st January, 2015
Report
Organised by
Disabled People's International
in collaboration with
The Nippon Foundation
and
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled
People
National Conference on Leprosy and Disability
1. Introduction
Disabled People’s International (DPI) in collaboration with The Nippon Foundation and
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has
undertaken an initiative to include the voice of people affected by Leprosy in the
global disability movement, particularly in India.
The mandate is to integrate people affected by Leprosy in the disability movement of
India and to advocate for a significant policy change vis-a-vis rights concerning people
affected by Leprosy.
It is to this effort, the first ever National Conference on Leprosy1 and Disability2 was
organized on 30th and 31 January 2015 in New Delhi.
2. Rising to Dignity Awards
The Conference was preceded by the ‘Rising to Dignity Awards’ ceremony. The
Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation (SILF) observed the World Leprosy Day on
January 30 in commemoration of the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi. On this
occasion, SILF hosted the Rising to Dignity Awards which celebrate successful
livelihood enterprises in Leprosy colonies enabling many Leprosy cured people to
make a transition from begging to a dignified livelihood.
3. Proceedings of the conference
The first day of the Conference saw members of the National Disability Network (NDN)
and Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) from across India interact and
share their experiences and thoughts with each other.
(i) Introductory Address by MrJaved Abidi, Global Chair, DPI
In his opening address Mr Abidisaid, “Leprosy has still not been eradicated3in India.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), India is one of the eighteen countries
were incidence of leprosy is high.”
Speaking on the attitude of the society and disability movement towards people
affected with Leprosy, he underscored the fact that “There are 10 to 154 laws in the
country which are discriminatory towards people affected with Leprosy. People
affected with Leprosy can be divorced, be denied property etc. on the basis of this
archaic laws. These need to be repealed.”
“Let there be no confusion that Leprosy is a disability!”
“This meeting has been called to address the stigma and discrimination.” Both NDN
(National Disability Network) and APAL (Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy)
are making efforts to come together and address these very issues. We have to
integrate and strengthen the movement.”
Short information note on Leprosy is given at Annexure 1
Program schedule is given at Annexure 2
3
Prevalence of Leprosy in India is given at Annexure 3
4
List of discriminatory laws against Leprosy affected people is given at Annexure 4
1
2
In the past, there has been little effort to engage and integrate people affected with
Leprosy in the disability movement.
(ii) Address by Dr. P.K. Gopal, President, International Association for
Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA), India
Dr. Gopal began with short self-introduction on his life and work.
“I hadLeprosy at the age of 12 and was cured. I did my master’s degree in social work
from Loyola College, Chennai. I began my career as a social worker in the Sacred
Heart Hospital, Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. We established a rehabilitation centre,
known to be the first of its kind in India, for the Leprosy affected people. It was also
providing rehabilitation to people with other disabilities. The experience helped me to
do my doctoral research from Ranchi University, in social science, in 1994.”
“I attended the Leprosy Conference held in Brazil in 1994, and subsequently, we
formed International Association for Integration Dignity and Advancement (IDEA). In
1997, we started IDEA India, the India chapter of the global NGO.”
This international advocacy and human rights organisation is working towards ending
stigma and discrimination of people affected by leprosy. IDEA played a key role in the
development of the United Nation’s Guidelines for the Elimination of Discrimination
Against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their families.
“In 1994, I met Dr. Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation. In 2004, he asked me to do
a survey of the leprosy colonies in India. Our survey indicated that there are 778
leprosy colonies in India. Poverty, illiteracy, multiple languages were some of the
hurdles faced during the survey in each state. But in all, people with leprosy were
brought under the National Forum India.”
“National Forum India is now known as Association for Leprosy Affected People or
APAL.The forum has been established in 23 States with State Leaders. In 2012, we
developed the second rung of leadership and I resigned from my position and Mr
Narsappa was elected as Chairman.”
“People affected with Leprosy have many issues and needs. We can work with other
disability groups and organisations as we have some common problems. We also need
to discuss as how to we are going to work in the future.”
(iii) Dr.VineetaShanker, Executive Director, Sasakawa-India Leprosy
Foundation (SILF)
Dr. Shankar said “Both the movements (People with Disabilities and People affected
by Leprosy) have a common ground that is our ‘right to live with dignity and respect’.
People with disabilities and people with Leprosy should interact and know about each
other better.”
“As we move forward our differences will come to the fore. We have to iron out those
differences and focus on synergy. We need to empathise with each other.”
Lamenting the segregation of people with Leprosy, Dr.Shanker said, “Segregation has
been accepted by the society. People with Leprosy feel so stigmatised that they feel
they are separate from other. “The biggest barrier is psychological that impacts their
self-esteem. This can be addressed only with social rehabilitation.”
Speaking on the issue of Leprosy colonies5, she said, “It is a sensitive issue. Leprosy
colonies are in cities, but when the government tries relocation, they allocate a place
which is situated 40-50 km away from the city or town with no schools, no shop, no
transport in the vicinity and no employment opportunities. Thus,they would get more
segregated from the society!”Persons affected with Leprosy should be given skills that
match with their physical and mental abilities.”
(iv)Interaction between NDN6Partners and APAL7State
Representatives (Group discussion)
This was a group discussion8. The participants were divided into smaller groups. Each
group had members of both APAL and NDN. This session was undertaken to promote
interaction and understanding of issues.
Representatives of the NDN also spoke about steps they would take at their end to
integrate people with Leprosy in their respective State forums.
(v) Address by Mr Uday Thakar (APAL leader)
In his address Mr Thakar said that Leprosy should be understood as a social disability.
He called upon members to do an ‘aandolan’ (campaign) and fight for the rights of
people affected with Leprosy. He said, “Let’s look for solutions instead of blaming each
other.”
(vi) Strategies on inclusion of Persons affected by Leprosy in the
disability movement
The Conference saw APAL State Representatives speak on the issues faced by persons
affected with Leprosy. This was followed by a detailed discussion on the strategies
that State NDN Partners would undertake to include persons affected by Leprosy in
the disability movement in their respective States.
(a) Some of the issues faced by people with Leprosy are:
1. Disability certification: Very often, the issuing authority only takes into account
the deformity and not key aspects like numbness or lack of sensation in Leprosy
affected parts of the body hence rendering it non- functional. They are denied
or issued the wrong certificate. There is no specialist (Leprosy) in the
committee that issues disability certificate.
2. They are often denied driving licence, home loans, access to general services,
Below Poverty Line Card etc.
3. People living in Leprosy colonies have been occupants of their homes for long
but yet the land deeds are not issued in their name. The settlement is seen as
unauthorised by government agencies.
Note on Leprosy colonies in India is given at Annexure 5
National Disability Network (NDN)
7
Association of Leprosy Affected People (APAL)
8
List of participants at the conference is given at Annexure 6
5
6
4. Provision for treating (dressing) wounds and ulcers in government hospitals in
several States have been discontinued since they are said to have reached a
level of elimination.As a result, Leprosy affected people (old cases) especially
those living in Leprosy colonies who continue to need dressing have to go
elsewhere!
5. Children of Leprosy affected persons should get reservation in education and
employment.
6. Children of Leprosy affected persons are not given any scholarship. There are
no provisions or schemes from the government for their children.
7. Subsidised education should be provided to children of Leprosy affected
persons.
8. State transport buses and Indian Railways do not provide any concession to
Leprosy affected people as in the case of other disabilities.
9. APAL Members felt that the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) has not
benefitted persons affected with Leprosy at large.
10.The three percent reservation is provided to people with disabilities in all
government schemes and programmes is not extended to them in practice.
There should be 1% reservation for people with Leprosy.
11.There is not much data available on people affected with Leprosy in village and
block levels.
12.Discrimination and stigma is still rampant in the country.
13. There are laws in the country that continue to discriminate people affected with
Leprosy.
14.There is the issue of inadequate pension and lack of uniform pension policy
across the country.
15.Many APAL Members also felt that there are NGOs which take fund in the name
of their welfare but Leprosy affected people have not got even their basic
rights!
16.Many APAL Members strongly felt that a conscious effort should be made to
stop the usage of words like‘Kusht’, ‘Kodh’, Leper (words used to denote
Leprosy affected people) as it is derogatory and discriminatory. They demanded
a new word be coined to denote the community and its people. Members
suggested names like Gandhi Jan, sensory disability, etc. No conclusion on
terminology could be arrived at.
(b) Steps suggested by NDNStatePartners to integrateAPAL State Members
(and people with Leprosy and their organisations) include:
West Bengal:
 The NDN State Partner (SANCHAR) will facilitate a meeting of the APAL
State representative with the Executive Members of Disability Activists
Forum.
 They could organise orientation meetings with Leprosy and disability
organisations in the State.
 Provide a platform forinteraction between Leprosy organisations and
Disability Commissioner in the State.
Karnataka:
 The NDN Partner (Karnataka AngavikalaraRajyaOkkuta – KARO) will include
persons affected with Leprosy in their State disability rights movement.
 They will jointly compile a list of demands (of Leprosy affected people) and
present it to the State Government.
 Collect more data on Leprosy and persons affected with Leprosy.
 Raise awareness on the issue in the State.
Maharashtra:
 NINA Foundation suggested that Leprosy affected people could be trained
and inducted as care givers under the ‘Sahayogi Scheme’ run by National
Trust, Government of India.
Punjab:
 The NDN Partner, Punjab Disability Rights Group will take up issues of
Leprosy affected people in all appropriate forums in the State.
 They will extend all possible support to persons affected with Leprosy in the
State.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
 The NDN Partner (Network of Persons with disabilities Organizations- NPdO)
said that persons affected with Leprosy and their rights groups have been
part of disability movement in their region since the year 2000.
 They have taken several special effortsincluding creating awareness on the
Disability Law (1995) in Leprosy colonies. They will continue with their
efforts.
Himachal Pradesh:
 The NDN Partner (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development- CORD),
said that the Conference was an eye opener and that steps will be taken to
mainstream persons with Leprosy in the State.
Odisha:
 TheNDN Partner (Swabhiman) said that they are already in touch with the
APAL Member in their State and have worked on several issues together,
including the issue of pension.
 They would continue to work with APAL State Unit on the repealing of
discriminatory laws against Persons affected with Leprosy.
Gujarat:
 The NDN Partner said (Disable Rights Group, Gujarat) would create more
awareness on Leprosy and persons affected with leprosy in the State.
Haryana:
 The NDN Partner (VISHWAS - Vision for Health, Welfare and Special Needs)
said that they would include persons affected with Leprosy in their CBR
programme.
Uttar Pradesh:
 The NDN Partner (HANDICARE) said that they would take steps to
mainstream people affected with Leprosy.
 Raise awareness on the subject especially among children in the State.
 They will ask the State Government to include issues of Leprosy and people
affected by Leprosy in the school curriculum.
4. Concluding Session
The Conference ended with APAL Members putting forward priority issues that both
the Leprosy and disability movements would take up to launch a major campaign.
These include:





Repealing of all the discriminatory laws
Uniform pension across States
Legal land rights for residents of Leprosy colonies
Reservation in education for Leprosy affected people and their children
especially in higher education
Reservation in employment
Annexure 1
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement and
People Affected by Leprosy
Short Information Note
What is Leprosy?
Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind and people affected by it
continue to be rejected and neglected by society due to its out dated image of being
contagious and disfiguring. However, today it is curable with antibiotics.
Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and
Mycobacterium-lepromatosis and is often known as Hansen's disease (HD). It causes
severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms and legs.
In the 1980s, an effective cure for Leprosy was developed and now it is completely
curable through Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT). Nevertheless, people affected by the
disease and their kin continue to be marginalized by the mainstream society.
Most people think Leprosy is just a health and not a disability issue. There is a
significant population that has disability due to Leprosy and consequentially they face
grave barriers in effective participation in society. To make the situation worse, there
are discriminatory laws that prevent people affected by Leprosy from participating on
an equal basis in society, and they are also not well represented in the disability rights
movement, nationally and globally.
Leprosy: A Global Perspective
There is a general myth that Leprosy has been eradicated from most parts of the
world, however it is only a partial truth. Today, most of the countries in the world
have achieved the Leprosy elimination goal which is defined as reaching a prevalence
of less than 1 Leprosy case per 10,000 population. Nevertheless there are 18 endemic
countries where Leprosy is highly prevalent with the incidence rate of over 1000 cases
in a year.
Annexure 2
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement and
People Affected by Leprosy
Agenda and Sessions for the National Conference on Leprosy and Disability
Date: Friday, 30th January 2015
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall, India International Centre
Date: Saturday, 31st January 2015
Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Venue: Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre
Agenda:
1. Facilitation of interaction between people affected by Leprosy and leaders of the
disability sector.
2. The disability sector of India to understand the issues and challenges faced by
people affected by Leprosy in India, and challenges faced by disability leaders
in their inclusion, with reference to any past experiences if any.
3. The disability sector and the Leprosy sector to discuss the rights concerning
people affected by Leprosy, according to the Indian Constitution and viz-a viz
UNCRPD.
4. A comprehensive strategy to be decided on inclusion of persons affected by
Leprosy in the mainstream disability sector/movement of India.
Sessions:
Day 1: Friday, 30th January 2015
1. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: SILF Award Ceremony
2. 1:00- 2:00 pm: Lunch Break
3. 2:00-2:30 pm: Introduction by Mr Javed Abidi, Global Chair, Disabled People’s
International (DPI)
4. 2:30-3:00 pm: Ice-breaking session
 Share your name
 Share the State you come from
 Share the name of your organization
 Why you are here
5. 3:00-3:30 pm: Introduction to Leprosy and its association with disability by
Dr. P.K. Gopal, President, IDEA India and Dr.VineetaShanker, Executive
Director, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (SILF) (10 mins. each, followed
by Q&A session)
6. 3:30-5:00 pm: Activity facilitating interaction between state leaders of
disability and Leprosy sector, and knowledge sharing with each other.
7. 5:00 pm: End of Day 1 of the Conference.
Day 2: Saturday, 31st January 2015
1. 9:30- 10:00 am: Ice-breaking session
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
 Which is the one word that comes to your mind when you
hear the word-Leprosy/Kodh
10:00-11:00 am: Experience sharing followed by discussion on
issues/challenges faced by state leaders of the Leprosy sector
11:00-11:30 am: Tea Break
11:30- 12:30 pm: Strategy on the inclusion of people affected by Leprosy to
be decided by the Disability and Leprosy Sector.
12:30-1:00 pm: Concluding Remarks by Mr Javed Abidi, Dr. P.K. Gopal and
Dr.VineetaShanker (10 mins. each)
1:00 pm: End of the Conference
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch Break
Annexure 3
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement and
People Affected by Leprosy
Prevalence of Leprosy in India
India is one of the high endemic countries of Leprosy in the world. Even though India
achieved its elimination goal on 31st December 2005 (0.95/10,000 population), it still
records one of the highest occurrences of Leprosy, constituting more than 50% of
people affected by Leprosy round the globe.
In the year 2011-12, India recorded 1.27 lakh Leprosy cases, even though 32
states/UTs had achieved Leprosy elimination. Annual new case detection rate in India
then, was recorded to be 10.35 per 1,00,000 population.
In 2012, the Grade 2 disability rate was recorded to be 3.14/ million population and
Grade 1 disability constitutes 3.78% of new cases. Grade 1 disability is a type where a
person with Leprosy is anesthetic but with no visible deformity or damage. Grade 2
disability is a type where a person affected by Leprosy has visible damage or
deformity.
The top five states in India which have highest number of leprosy cases recorded in
2012-13 are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Uttar Pradesh: 24,222 cases
Bihar: 22,001 cases
Maharashtra: 18,715 cases
West Bengal: 11,683 cases
Gujarat: 9,010 cases
Increased number of new cases was detected in the following states/UTs in the year
2012:
1. Orissa
2. Gujarat
3. Maharashtra
4. Madhya Pradesh
5. Dadra & Nagar Haveli
6. Andhra Pradesh
7. Tripura
8. Haryana
9. Sikkim
10.Nagaland
11.West Bengal
12.Andaman & Nicobar Islands
13.Lakshadweep
14. Chandigarh
15.Daman & Diu
Annexure 4
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement and
People Affected by Leprosy
Discriminatory Laws Against People Affected by Leprosy in India
In India, there are nine laws that have direct discriminatory provisions. These laws
allow Leprosy as a ground for divorce, discriminating against people affected by
Leprosy who resort to begging for livelihood, and provide for charging higher life
insurance premium from people affected by Leprosy:
 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 [Section 13(1) (IV)] gives grounds for divorce if
a partner has been suffering for at least three years from a virulent and
incurable form of leprosy. Section 10 (1) states that judicial separation can be
granted if a partner has been suffering from a virulent form of leprosy for at
least one year.
 Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act, 1939 [Section 2(VI)] grants divorce
if the spouse has been insane for a period of two years or is suffering from
leprosy or a virulent venereal disease.
 Indian Divorce Act, 1869 [Section 10] states that a marriage can be
dissolved on the grounds that a partner has been suffering from a virulent and
incurable form of leprosy for at least the previous two years.
 Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872states that a marriage can be dissolved
on the grounds that a partner has been suffering from a virulent and incurable
form of Leprosy.
 Hindu Special Marriage Act, 1954 [Section 27(g)] states that divorce can
be granted if a partner has been suffering from leprosy for at least three years
(the disease not having been contracted from the petitioner).
 Special Marriage Act 1954, [Section 27 (1)(g)] states that divorce can be
granted if a partner has been suffering from leprosy for at least three years,
the disease not having been contracted from the petitioner.
 Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 [Section 18(2) (c)] states
that a Hindu wife is entitled to live separately from her husband without
forfeiting her claim to maintenance if he is suffering from a virulent form of
Leprosy.
 Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 allows detention of ‘lunatics and lepers’.
 Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1987 [Section 12] specifies a higher
premium for people with Leprosy.
There are seven laws that can be used against people affected by leprosy (travelling
in trains, obtaining driving licences, etc.) due to misconceptions in the society about
Leprosy:
 Indian Railways Act, 1989 [Section 56] gives railway authorities the power
to refuse carriage to patients suffering from contagious diseases.
 Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 [Section 8(4)] considers leprosy patients ineligible
for a driving licence.
 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Act, 1980 prohibits
people affected by Leprosy in getting a driving licence in Maharashtra.
 Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 [Section 421]
 Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 [Section 2] provides for termination of
service of workmen on the grounds of continued ill-health, including people
affected by Leprosy.
 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) Act, 1995 [Section 2] includes “leprosy cured” under the
term ‘disability’, but not persons affected by Leprosy who have not yet been
cured.
 Rehabilitation of Council of India Act, 1992 [Section 29©] does not cover
all the disabilities associated with leprosy under its definition of ‘handicapped’.
Note: IDEA India and the International Leprosy Union had a series of meetings on
Leprosy & Law and the recommendations were submitted to the Government. Also, a
Petition was prepared by Dr. P.K. Gopal & Others and submitted to the Parliament
Petition Committee (PPC).
A draft Bill for The Leprosy Affected Persons Welfare is also in circulation. It seeks to
create a separate body for the welfare of people affected by Leprosy, on the lines of
the Disability Commission, in addition to reservation in educational institutions and
employment. There is also a provision for monthly pension for those unable to work.
The Leprosy Mission (TLM) began its project Challenging Anti-Leprosy Legislation
(CALL) in 2012, with one of its aims being to overturn seven laws in India that
discriminates against people affected by Leprosy. These include Leprosy being
grounds for divorce.
Annexure 5
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement and
People Affected by Leprosy
Leprosy Colonies in India
Leprosy is a disease which is widely attached to stigma and social exclusion. This
stigma and risk of social rejection is so great that people affected by Leprosy are
forced to live in isolated settlements. Most of these colonies are found at the outskirts
of a city, town or a village.
Today as many of these colonies have become modernized, there are still many socioeconomic issues that residents of these colonies face, such as shortage of land,
problems with regularizing of the land where these colonies are settled, inadequate
civic amenities etc.
There are numerous ‘Leper’ colonies as they are called, in India. There are however
747 recognized /registered colonies of people affected by Leprosy, as per Association
of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL).
The following is the break- up of colonies, state-wise:
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
State
Andhra Pradesh
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Delhi
Gujarat
Haryana
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Odisha
Punjab
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
Total
No. of Colonies
71
63
35
28
17
19
57
36
32
73
94
29
14
59
28
57
35
747
These 18 high prevalent countries are: Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Democratic
Republic of Congo, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar,
Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Sudan and United Republic of
Tanzania.
Through generations, people with Leprosy continue to face barriers in participation all
across the world. The issues and challenges faced by them seem to be common allround the globe such as stigma, discrimination and exclusion from family and
community. The result of such an out dated outlook is the presence of discriminatory
laws, and Leper colonies which continue to exist and encourage exclusion from
mainstream society.
There are numerous organizations now that are working tirelessly to include people
affected by Leprosy in the mainstream and for their rehabilitation and empowerment.
Leprosy: An Indian Perspective
In India, a strong stigma is attached to Leprosy and people affected by Leprosy are
often discriminated against. People affected by Leprosy are prevented from accessing
community resources (e.g. water) or marrying “normal” individuals and are excluded
from festivals, religious areas, employment, and education and health care facilities.
Fear of stigma and discrimination prevents people with Leprosy seeking medical help
and if they do seek help, they can face discrimination from health workers
themselves. Relatives of people affected by Leprosy also face stigma and exclusion.
Therefore a person with Leprosy may be rejected by their family and spouse, and can
lose their home along with social and support networks.
Numerous national and state laws contain discriminatory provisions against people
affected by Leprosy, including prohibiting people affected by Leprosy from contesting
elections, obtaining a driving license and travelling in trains. The law also allows
Leprosy as grounds for divorce, meaning a person affected by Leprosy can lose their
home, belongings and access to their children. Many legislators, legal bodies and
members of the Government are not aware of the existence of discriminatory
legislation or its devastating impact on people affected by Leprosy therefore concrete
action has not been taken to end these practices.
As a result of stigma and discrimination, people affected by Leprosy often experience
a loss of self-esteem and dignity and feel fear, shame, hopelessness and
guilt. Leprosy often affects the poorest and most marginalized communities, who have
a history of powerlessness, discrimination and lack of awareness and access to their
rights. Therefore they have limited capacity to defend their rights and combat stigma.
UDHR: Rights of Persons Affected by Leprosy
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “All human beings are
born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This includes every person affected by
Leprosy in the whole wide world - nevertheless social, economic and legal
discrimination still persists for people affected by Leprosy.
For society and governments to live up to Article 1 of Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, it is imperative that the inherent rights of people affected by Leprosy are
acknowledged and upheld.
Eradicating this issue will help in realizing a society where the fundamental rights and
dignity of every human being is recognized and enjoyed by its citizens including
persons with Leprosy.
About DPI
Disabled People's International (DPI) is the world’s first cross-disability and the only
global Disabled People’s Organization (DPO), aiming for equal and full participation of
persons with disabilities into action. We have members, also called as Member
National Assemblies in over 150 countries across the globe, comprising of network of
DPOs representing different disabilities.
DPI being the only cross-disability organization in the world, thus aims to include
people affected by Leprosy in the global disability movement, including India. It also
hopes to create greater awareness and visibility about issues of persons with Leprosy
amongst the larger national and international disability movement.
For more information, please visit www.dpi.org
Annexure 6
Enhancing the Relationship between the Disability Movement
andPeople Affected by Leprosy
National Conference on Leprosy and Disability
30th& 31st January, 2015; New Delhi
List of Participants
SILF:
1. Dr. VineetaShanker
2. Aftab
APAL:
1. Dr. P.K. Gopal
2. UdayThakar
3. Dhananjai Naidu (Andhra Pradesh &Telangana)
4. Ramesh (Andhra Pradesh &Telangana)
5. Suresh Kumar (Karnataka)
6. Adhi (Karnataka)
7. RasulMulla ( Maharashtra)
8. Firgane (Maharashtra)
9. UmeshNayak (Odisha)
10.BhawaniShankerAmat (Odisha)
11.Murari Sinha (Uttar Pradesh)
12.Dayalu Prasad (Uttar Pradesh)
13.Krishna PadaGanroi (West Bengal)
NDN Partners:
1. Amarjit Singh Anand (Punjab)
2. Arman Ali (Assam)
3. BalbirGuleria (Himachal Pradesh)
4. Devaraju ( Karnataka)
5. GeetaChaturvedi (Haryana)
6. KanchanPamnani (Maharashtra)
7. Ketna Mehta (Maharashtra)
8. M. Srinivasulu (Andhra Pradesh &Telangana)
9. MriduGoel (Uttar Pradesh)
10.Nita Panchal (Gujarat)
11.Ramnathan Paul (Karnataka)
12.Pradeep Raj (Delhi)
13.SrutiMohapatra (Odisha)
14.Tulika Das (West Bengal)
NCPEDP:
1. Javed Abidi
2. Parul Ghosh
3. Shaila Anand
4. Deepika Thakur
5. Aarti Thakur
6. Maina Sharma
DEOC:
1. Rama Chari
2. SakshiBroota
3. Priya Varadan
Total number of participants: 38