V.S.Malimath, at the first World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, which was held in Stockholm between 26-31 August 1996. It is sadly evident that this painful social problem, destructive of the rights of children, is going to be a major preoccupation of the Commission in the years ahead. 5.18 (D) PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 5.19 The Commission pressed for the adoption of the Persons with Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation) Act, 1995. In the course of 1996, however, it grew increasingly concerned that the rules and regulations required to give practical effect to the Act were not in evidence and that, therefore, a sense of despair and neglect vras developing among those who had counted on the passing of the Act to improve the circumstances of persons with disabilities and, the protection of their rights. 5.20 The Chairperson, accordingly, raised these matters in a public meeting, urging expeditious action. On 31:December 1996, the Ministry of Welfare issued a notification promulgating the rules required under the Act. The Commission recommends that the concomitant steps, including the appointments and other practical measures called for by the Act, will now be taken with all due speed both at the Centre and in the States. Those who are vulnerable must not be allowed to feel that they are children of a lesser God and that the wheels of governance scarceIy turn for them. 5.21 The Commission continued to receive complaints from non-governmental organisations and others engaged in assisting persons with disabilities. These related to harassment, intolerance, discrimination at the workplace and elsewhere, and the lack of basic facilities. In particular, the Commission took serious note of a complaint from a person with disabilities working in the Labour Department of Karnataka, who alleged harassment by a Labour Officer. The Commission decided that there was need to gather information on the facilities provided to persons with disabilities in the various States. In response to communications from the Commission, such information relating, inter alia, to scholarships, pensions, job reservations, financial assistance, reservations for admission to academic institutions, medical facilities, self-employment, loans etc has been received from the StateslUnion Territories. This informaiion will enable the commission to determine whether the undertakings given by the State Governments are indeed being fulfilIed, when it examines the specific complaints that it, receives.