Subject: Social Justice

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016 marks a paradigm shift from charity-based to rights-based approach for 21 categories of disabilities, aligning with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Key Mechanisms for Empowerment and Inclusion

Accessibility and Infrastructure

• Mandates barrier-free access in public buildings, transport systems, and information technology infrastructure.
• Implementation of universal design principles for inclusive infrastructure development.
• Enforces website accessibility audits with penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5,00,000 for non-compliance.

Education and Skill Development

• Ensures inclusive education through reasonable accommodation and necessary support systems.
• Promotes vocational training programs and skill development initiatives.
• Establishment of Block Resource Centers with an allocation of ₹100 crore annual and ₹50 crore one-time expenditure.

Employment and Economic Inclusion

• Reserves 4% jobs in government sector and incentivizes private sector employment.
• Current employment rate stands at 36%, with significant gender disparity (47% men vs 23% women).
• Provides preferential allotment in poverty alleviation schemes.

Documentation and Recognition

• Implementation of UDID (Unique Disability ID) portal has facilitated issuance of 1.2 crore disability certificates.
• Steady increase in certification from 18.64 lakh (2019) to 23.89 lakh (2023), showing improved reach.

Challenges in Implementation

• Limited awareness about rights and entitlements among beneficiaries.
• Inadequate infrastructure and accessibility in rural areas.
• Social stigma and discriminatory attitudes persist.
• Gender disparity in employment opportunities.

Way Forward

• Strengthen monitoring mechanisms and grievance redressal systems.
• Enhanced budget allocation for infrastructure development.
• Capacity building of implementing agencies and stakeholders.

The RPwD Act provides a comprehensive framework for empowerment, but its success depends on effective implementation through multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustained commitment to create an inclusive society, as demonstrated by initiatives like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan and Accessible India Campaign.