Menezes Braganza lecture series DRAGS itself in controversy

PANAJI: Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) a registered charitable society working to bring the persons with disability into the mainstream society has appealed to Governor of Goa Bharat Vir Wanchoo, not to inaugurate the Menezes Braganza Lecture series being held in the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall Panjim as the venue is not accessible for persons with disability.
In a letter addressed to the Governor DRAG said “We wish to inform you that the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim is on the first floor and it is not accessible for persons with disability especially wheel chairs users which is in violation of Section 46 of the Persons with Disability Act 1995 thereby denying persons with disability the right to attend any programme in that hall including the Menezes Braganza lecture series.
“We have taken up the matter with the State Govt. and the State Disability Commissioner in December 2012 when it was inaugurated but nothing has been done till date although it is almost one year. Hence we request you not to inaugurate the Menezes Braganza lecture series in the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim on November 22, 2013 and show your commitment to the cause of the rights of persons with disability in Goa as head of state” Avelino D’Sa, president of Drag said.
DRAG has also written to the Chief Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar not to speak at the lecture series on the same grounds. DRAG has requested him also show his commitment to the cause of the rights of persons with disability in Goa as the chief minister of Goa. Parrikar is one of the top speakers at the lecture series.