Former Nagpur Police Commissioner T. Singaravel Leads Advocacy for Ostomates' Disability Recognition
T. Singaravel, who served as Nagpur Commissioner of Police from January 1995 to August 1997 and later as Inspector General (Prisons) for Maharashtra, was widely known as an astute and no-nonsense officer during his distinguished career. Throughout his tenure, he implemented innovative measures, including initiating the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in counseling families affected by domestic disputes. A firm disciplinarian, he left no room for lapses or loopholes in tackling crime, earning a reputation for integrity and effectiveness.
A New Mission: From Law Enforcement to Disability Advocacy
Now, Singaravel is on a profoundly different mission. As a cancer survivor, he has become a passionate advocate for the rights of police personnel and others living with an ostomy. An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening, known as a stoma, in the abdomen to divert urine or fecal matter into an external pouch. While this procedure is often necessitated by cancer, other serious medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or trauma, may also require it.
In his role as honorary chairperson of the Ostomy Association of India, Singaravel is campaigning vigorously for ostomates to be officially recognized as persons with disabilities (PwDs) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This recognition would make them eligible for government grants, reserved employment opportunities, and other critical benefits designed to support individuals with disabilities.
Historical Context and Legal Framework
Singaravel highlighted that in 1983, the Maharashtra government issued a circular directing district-level officers to register cancer survivors as 'disabled persons' to enable them to avail government benefits. However, he noted that cancer survivors, including those with ostomies, are often not perceived as disabled in practice, leading to a gap in support and recognition.
The challenges faced by persons with disabilities have garnered significant global attention. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted on December 13, 2006, underscores fundamental principles such as dignity, non-discrimination, inclusion, equality of opportunity, and accessibility. India's RPwD Act, 2016, aligns closely with this UN Convention, defining a "person with disability" as someone with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers, hinders full and effective participation in society.
Arguing for Inclusion Under the RPwD Act
Singaravel argues that the legal framework of the RPwD Act can and should be applied to medical conditions like ostomy. He emphasizes that continuous dependence on ostomy appliances significantly affects daily living, social participation, and psychological well-being, creating substantial barriers to full societal engagement.
"Ostomy qualifies as a 'disguised disability' under this definition and should be categorised as a specified disability under the Act," he asserted. He pointed out that the condition involves long-term physical impairment due to the surgical alteration and the ongoing need for medical appliances, which can lead to stigma, isolation, and practical challenges in employment and social settings.
Call for Action and Global Precedents
Singaravel has urged authorities to amend the implementation framework of the 2016 law to formally include ostomates. He noted that several countries, including some in Europe and North America, already recognize ostomates as persons with disabilities, providing them with legal protections and benefits. This global precedent, he believes, should inspire similar action in India to ensure that ostomates receive the support and recognition they deserve.
His advocacy underscores a broader need for societal awareness and policy reform to address the hidden challenges faced by individuals with medical conditions that may not be immediately visible but profoundly impact their lives. Through his efforts, Singaravel continues to leverage his experience and influence to champion the rights of a vulnerable community, bridging his past in law enforcement with his present mission in health and disability advocacy.
