NHRC, India to maintain an updated district-wise database of the leprosy affected persons. Such updated database needs to be prominently displayed on websites of the concerned State Governments and all concerned Ministries in the Central Government. Grassroot level organisations, civil society organisations and school children may be involved in such surveys. • The State may establish a helpline to ensure prompt reporting and medical attention to new cases of leprosy as well as development of acute signs and symptoms of lepra reaction/new nerve function impairment in existing patients. • The Union and State may endeavour to provide micro cellular rubber (MCR) footwear to all leprosy affected persons free of cost. • A special programme needs to be initiated to provide counselling of the persons affected from leprosy and their family members, especially children, to help them overcome the stigma and integrate with the society. • Efforts need to be made to improve healthcare, sanitation, electricity and other civic amenities in leprosy colonies. Property/tenure rights to the residents of such colonies need to be provided in a time bound manner. No resident of these colonies be removed or evicted without being rehabilitated and adequately compensated. • Serious efforts need to be made by the Union and State/UT Governments to integrate leprosy colonies with the society. All such colonies need to be appropriately re-named to prevent their identification/tagging with the disease. All new leprosy patients need to be treated at their respective homes without shifting them to leprosy colonies. • Special programmes providing for vocational training, employment benefit, parental leave, health insurance to the persons affected by leprosy and their family members need to be launched. While implementing employment generation schemes, such as MGNREGA, persons suffering from leprosy and leprosy induced disabilities may be given the option to undertake home based activities. • States need to provide due attention to ensure that persons affected by leprosy are provided with BPL card, Aadhar card, Job card and other identity proof on priority to facilitate such persons to avail benefits of Government run welfare schemes including Indira Awas Yojna (AAY), MGNREGA, etc. While issuing Aadhar card to such persons, iris scan may be promoted as many such persons suffer from finger impairment. • Provisions of Section 8 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, providing for protection and safety in situations of risks, armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters to persons with disability need to be extended to all persons affected by leprosy and their family members. ANNUAL REPORT 69 2021-22