The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the government to take measures to support the residents of Paralkot Village, who are affected by hearing and speech impairments.
The court’s order came in response to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2018, following a news report highlighting the plight of villagers.
The court observed that several measures had been undertaken by the government to mitigate the challenges faced by the residents of Paralkot Village, including the provision of hearing aids, medical camps, and vocational training programs.
However, the Jammu Division Bench of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekhri noted that additional steps were required to address the issue comprehensively.
The court directed the government to establish Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the village with facilities for early screening of hearing disorders.
It also ordered the implementation of screening programs for newborns to detect congenital hearing loss and the provision of cochlear implants and hearing aids for affected children and adults.
Furthermore, the court directed the government to conduct regular health camps and establish permanent centers for rehabilitation and speech therapy.
It also emphasized the need to collaborate with Central Government schemes to provide cochlear implants for children from low-income families and to raise awareness on integrating ear and hearing care into PHCs.
The court’s order is a significant step towards addressing the health challenges faced by the residents of Paralkot Village.
The government has been directed to implement these measures in a time-bound manner, not only for the residents of Paralkot Village but also for identifying and addressing similar issues in other areas of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The PIL was disposed of with the court’s observations and directions.
The court also appreciated the efforts of the amicus curiae, Rozina Afzal, in assisting the court in this matter.
A copy of the order has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for compliance.
The post Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh HC directs UT govt to support hearing- and speech-impaired residents of Paralkot appeared first on India Legal.