Monitoring and Evaluating Progress

27. Use a tracking tool to monitor Section 36 applications

Neither the Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act, 2013 (DRPA) nor its Rules specify deadlines for district committees to resolve Section 36 applications. Aside from the annual reports that district committees must submit to the National Executive Committee, there are few formal mechanisms for tracking the progress of these applications. While many legal aid providers routinely use technology to manage cases, DPOs are less experienced with monitoring the progress of complaints. 

The experience of USAID’s EPD program shows that DPOs can use electronic tracking tools to identify when follow up with committee members may be necessary in order to prevent unnecessary delays. USAID’s EPD program developed an online, password-protected case tracking system for EPD-supported DPOs to provide updates on and track both district committees’ meetings and Section 36 applications. By storing information electronically, DPOs can keep a precise record of any delays or irregularities in any Section 36 procedure. Because it is unclear how district committees keep track of Section 36 applications, and because Section 36 applicants may file their complaints without the assistance of a lawyer, DPOs can play an important record-keeping role.

Additional Links: USAID Bangladesh • BlueLaw International

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This domain was previously home to a joint report by NGDO, NCDW, and BLAST entitled “Current Status of Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh: Legal and Grassroots Perspectives 2015,” produced with funding from the Disability Rights Fund. It is now available here.