23 Sep Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): From Welfare to Dignity and Inclusion
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and Topic details Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): From Welfare to Dignity and Inclusion
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS– 2- Social Justice-Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): From Welfare to Dignity and Inclusion
FOR PRELIMS
What are the problems faced by PwDs in rural areas of India?
FOR MAINS
What is the significance of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
Why in the News?
Persons with Special Ability (PwDs)
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), referred to as Divyangjan in India, are individuals who face physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive limitations but possess unique capabilities and potential. Empowering them is not just a welfare concern but also a matter of rights, dignity, and inclusive growth.
Data and Facts about PwDs
Global Level: WHO estimates nearly 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability.
India: According to the 2011 Census, there are 2.68 crore PwDs (2.21% of population). Experts believe the number is closer to 5–6% of the actual population.
Types of Disabilities (RPwD Act, 2016): Recognized categories expanded from 7 to 21, including autism, thalassemia, acid attack victims, etc.
Education: PwDs have a higher dropout rate, with only 54% literacy compared to national average of 74%.
Employment: Only about 34% of PwDs are employed, lower than the general population (NSO data).
Sports: India won 52 Paralympic medals in the last 3 Paralympic Games, compared to just 8 between 1960–2012.
Constitutional Mandate
1. Article 14: Equality before law.
2. Article 15 & 16: No discrimination; equal opportunity in jobs.
3. Article 21: Right to life with dignity.
4. Article 41 (Directive Principle): State to ensure right to work, education, and assistance for disabled.
5. 73rd & 74th Amendments: Local bodies to plan for disability welfare.
6. India is a signatory to the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2007.
Government Measures
(a) Legal Framework: Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 – First major law. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 – Reservation: 4% in jobs, 5% in higher education.
(b) Administrative & Institutional: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). Chief Commissioner for PwDs – Quasi-judicial redressal body. National Institutes (e.g., NIVH, AIISH, NIEPMD). Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
(c) Policy Measures: Accessible India Campaign (2015) – Make buildings, transport, and ICT accessible. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) – NGO support. ADIP Scheme – Free aids and appliances.
Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card – Single-window access to benefits. Skill Development Initiatives – NSDC’s Skill Council for PwDs. Health and Social Security – Artificial limbs to 3.1 million people in 10 years.
Issues and Challenges
1. Underreported Data – Census 2011 outdated.
2. Accessibility Gap – Many public spaces still not disabled-friendly.
3. Stigma and Social Barriers – Viewed with sympathy instead of dignity.
4. Education Challenges – Lack of inclusive classrooms, trained teachers.
5. Employment Barriers – Limited opportunities despite reservations.
7. Healthcare Gaps – Costly assistive devices, inadequate specialized care.
8. Weak Implementation – RPwD Act enforcement remains slow.
9. Rural Neglect – Infrastructure and support mainly urban-focused.
Way Forward
1. Update Disability Census – Accurate data for better planning.
2. Strengthen Accessibility – Enforce Sugamya Bharat standards with strict monitoring.
3. Inclusive Education – Special training for teachers, digital tools, Braille & sign language integration.
4. Job Opportunities – Incentivize private sector hiring, promote PwD entrepreneurship.
5. Affordable Healthcare – Subsidized devices, PwD-focused insurance under Ayushman Bharat.
6. Awareness Drives – Promote dignity, reduce stigma.
7. Local Governance Role – PRIs & ULBs to implement disability schemes.
8. Technology Integration – Use AI, robotics, and assistive apps for empowerment.
9. International Learning – Adapt best practices from ADA (US) and Japan’s accessibility norms.
Conclusion
Empowerment of PwDs is both a constitutional obligation and developmental necessity. By ensuring equality, accessibility, and dignity, India can unlock the potential of millions of PwDs and move closer to becoming an inclusive society. As highlighted by leaders, the shift from “Viklang” to “Divyang” is not just semantic but a step towards recognizing ability over disability. The future lies in moving from welfare to empowerment, where PwDs are equal partners in nation-building.
Prelims question:
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Persons with Disabilities (PwDs):
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 expanded the number of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21.
2. The RPwD Act, 2016 provides 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% in higher education for PwDs.
3. India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D
Mains Question:
Q. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India face several socio-economic challenges despite a strong constitutional and legal framework. Discuss the key issues in their empowerment and suggest measures to make India more inclusive for PwDs.
(250 words)
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