Nepal may revoke the order restricting the differently-abled persons to climb Mt Everest.
Nepal’s tourism minister Jitendra Narayan Dev has reportedly asked the delegation of different organizations working with the differently-abled people who met him on Friday to submit a joint memorandum in this regard.
The minister hinted at making amendment of the existing rule based on the memorandum. The delegation is expected to submit a memorandum next week.
Several organizations including National Federation of Disabled Nepal, Independent Living and Blind Rocks met Jitendra Narayan Dev to discuss about the issue and convince the government to make amendments in the Act.
Nepal Cabinet’s Bill Committee had approved an amendment to the Mountaineering Expedition Regulation under the Tourism Act on December 28 last prohibiting double amputees, persons without arms and legs and blind persons from attempting to climb the world’s tallest peak.
The government’s move drew flak from several quarters who termed the Act as ‘discriminatory’.
According to a member of the delegation the tourism minister has realized the fact that the decision was taken in haste and not enough homework was done before implementing the Act.
“Tourism Minister Jitendra Narayan Dev has dropped positive hints at revoking the order. But if the government fails to give equal treatment for the differently-abled people, we will have to fight a legal battle,” a delegation member said. “To win the rights, it might be another Mt Everest for us but we will keep on fighting for our rights,” he added.