Persons with Disabilities: Rights, Laws, and Inclusion
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Social Issues / Social Justice Sub-area: Disability Rights / Welfare Prelim PYQ Trend: Moderate (RPwD Act 2016, types of disabilities) Mains Relevance: GS-1 (Society), GS-2 (Social Justice, Rights Issues)
EXAMINER REASONING
Disability rights have gained prominence with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016. The examiner tests: (a) legal framework — RPwD Act 2016, Mental Healthcare Act 2017, UNCRPD (India ratified 2007); (b) types of disabilities — now 21 categories (from original 7); (c) rights — reservation (3% govt jobs, 5% education), accessibility, non-discrimination; (d) challenges — social stigma, inaccessible infrastructure, low employment, education gaps; (e) schemes — SIPDA (assistive devices), ADIP, NFO (fellowship). Expect questions linking disability to inclusive development, SDGs, and social audit mechanisms.
Core Concept
Legal & Policy Framework:
| Framework | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| RPwD Act (Rights of Persons with Disabilities) | 2016 (replaces PwD Act 1995) | 21 disability categories; 3% govt job reservation; 5% higher education reservation; penalty for discrimination |
| UNCRPD (UN Convention on Rights of PwD) | Ratified 2007 (came into force 2008) | India's RPwD Act aligned with UNCRPD |
| Mental Healthcare Act | 2017 | Decriminalised suicide; right to mental healthcare; advance directives |
| National Policy for Persons with Disabilities | 2006 (under revision) | Rehabilitation, education, employment |