“Inclusive Futures: APAL–NHRC Joint Consultation on Leprosy Rights”
On 1st May 2025, the APAL State Committee in Jharkhand, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), organized a pivotal meeting at the Circuit House Auditorium in Jharkhand. The session was held under the leadership of Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak, Special Monitor (Leprosy) from NHRC, New Delhi, and brought together a wide range of government stakeholders to deliberate on the rights and welfare of persons affected by leprosy. The meeting witnessed active participation from departments such as Health, Education, Social Security, Social Welfare, JSLPS (Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society), and the Welfare Department, alongside APAL representatives and members from local leprosy ashrams. The primary focus of the dialogue was the recognition and realization of personal, social, economic, fundamental, and political rights of leprosy-affected individuals.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak passionately advocated for the complete inclusion of persons affected by leprosy into mainstream society. He underscored that every individual impacted by the disease has an equal right to dignity and opportunity, just like any other citizen. Dr. Nayak issued a clarion call to all attending departments to integrate efforts, dismantle discriminatory practices, and dispel societal myths around leprosy. He also issued specific, actionable guidelines to foster departmental coordination, with a shared vision to achieve a leprosy-free India by 2027. His address was a powerful reminder of the systemic changes needed to uphold the rights and humanity of those affected by leprosy.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Paul also addressed the audience and played a critical role in clarifying public misconceptions surrounding the disease. He explained that leprosy is a bacterial infection that can be completely cured with timely, appropriate treatment, emphasizing that it is not highly contagious. Dr. Paul reassured the gathering that all health facilities in the district are well-prepared to conduct screenings and offer necessary medical interventions. He further informed that every leprosy-affected individual in the district has now been issued a disability certificate, empowering them to access various government schemes and entitlements. This milestone reflects the district’s commitment to improving the quality of life, social security, and welfare of persons affected by leprosy.
