On 29th August 2024, The President of APAL, Maya Ranavare, was invited, alongside the APAL State Committee in Maharashtra, to attend a one-day convention organized by the Maharashtra Kushthapit Sanghatna. The event aimed to honor students who received merit scholarships through the Kusthakanth Scholarship Scheme and to welcome the Honorable President of Maharashtra Kushthapit Sanghatna. Distinguished leaders and activists dedicated to the welfare of individuals affected by leprosy and those advocating for educational opportunities for underprivileged communities convened at the gathering.
The convention hosted esteemed guests including Hon. Shri Ram Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Hon. Shri Prashant Thakur, MLA of the Panvel Legislative Assembly, and Hon. Shri Manoj Bhujbal, MLA of the Nashik Graduate Constituency, Panchvati, Maharashtra, who served as Chief Guests. Hon. Shri Uday Takar and Hon. Smt. Maya Ranavare took on the roles of Chief Guest and Program Coordinator respectively. The inauguration of the event by Hon. Shri Nitin Kadam from the Education Department of Maharashtra underscored its focus on education and empowerment.
The Maharashtra Kushthapit Sanghatna, located at Shri Ramdas Thakur Samajik Vikas Mandal in Mandve, Panvel, organized the convention under the leadership of Mr. Jitendra Chatehan, President, and Shri Ashok Ambekar, Secretary.
During the session, the organizers initiated a discussion on the necessity of an amended petition to address critical issues faced by people affected by leprosy. They proposed several key demands for inclusion in the new petition:
1. National Survey: Conduct a fresh national survey of all individuals affected by leprosy across the country.
2. National Policy: Formulate a comprehensive national policy for the empowerment and upliftment of leprosy victims.
3. Uniform Subsistence Allowance: Implement a uniform and genuine subsistence allowance across all states.
4. Free Medical Facilities: Instruct all states to provide free medical facilities to all leprosy-affected communities.
5. Preservation of Rights: Ensure housing and land rights are preserved for leprosy sufferers.
6. Free Education and Special Training: Provide free education for the children of leprosy-affected persons and offer special training for competitive government examinations.
7. Amendment in Personal Laws: Introduce necessary amendments in personal laws to protect the rights of those affected by leprosy.
8. Financial Support for Economic Activities: Provide financial support for small-scale industries and agriculture involving leprosy-affected individuals.
9. Tax Exemption for Products: Exempt products made by leprosy-affected persons from VAT/GST.
10. Public Awareness Campaign: Address misconceptions and lack of awareness about leprosy through an effective public awareness campaign.
