On 17th April 2024, Maya Ranavare, the esteemed President of APAL, attended a momentous civil felicitation ceremony in Maharashtra alongside APAL’s dedicated state committee to honour Sri Ram Naik, a Padma Bhushan recipient, for his remarkable 90 years of unwavering dedication to public service. This event provided a unique opportunity for Maya and her team to engage with government authorities, politicians, and various stakeholders, fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing social issues.
During the ceremony, Maya Ranavare seized the opportunity to present APAL’s annual report and manifesto concerning persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities, underscoring the organization’s commitment to advocating for inclusivity and social justice. She highlighted the staggering challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in India, including the disproportionate financial burden imposed on households, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and growing dependence on welfare assistance.
In her interactions with political leaders and stakeholders, Maya passionately advocated for tangible solutions to address the pressing social security needs of persons with disabilities. She emphasized the urgent need for a national pension standard, proposing a direct benefit transfer model that would provide a minimum of Rs 5000 per month to support individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Maya urged for the prioritization of inclusion in government security schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana and MNREGA, ensuring that persons with disabilities receive equitable access to essential services and opportunities.
With unwavering determination, Maya Ranavare and APAL’s Maharashtra state committee sought commitments from all political parties to champion the cause of persons with disabilities. Their advocacy efforts centred on creating a more inclusive and supportive society, where individuals with disabilities can thrive with dignity and independence. Through their proactive engagement and advocacy initiatives, the APAL team continues to drive positive change and advocate for social justice within the legal and financial spheres. On this occasion, APAL met Madam Sumitra Mahajan and Mr. Piyush Goyal, the Central Minister. Mr. Rasul Mullah, State Coordinator of APAL, also attended.
