Being a eunuch no handicap, says Maneka

Being a eunuch no handicap, says Maneka
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, March 12: No enumeration of eunuchs has been carried out in the country, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply that eunuchs have not been categorised as handicapped persons and they are free to take up any vocation and avail of financial assistance under Government schemes.

To another question, she told the House that supply of monkeys to laboratories for conducting experiments is unauthorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.

She said animals for experimentation are required to be supplied by breeders registered with the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), a statutory body.

She said letters were sent to all Chief Wildlife wardens and district forest officers in the country not to allow such illegal activity and to make efforts for construction of shelters for monkeys with the help of NGOs and the government.

Replying to a query on whether the Uttar Pradesh Government has issued instructions to district magistrates authorising them to order capturing, trapping and destroying monkeys, the Minister said no such instructions had been brought to the notice of her ministry.