Syllabus: GS1/ Society
Context
- The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3 to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
About
- History: IDPD was first celebrated in 1992, following its proclamation through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3.
- In 2006, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted to ensure equality of opportunity for PwDs and to support the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
- Theme 2025: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
Disability Scenario in India
- A “person with disability” is someone who has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society equally with others. (According to The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016).
- According to Census 2011, there are 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India which constitute 2.21 percent of the total population.
| Constitutional Provisions – Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to live with dignity. – Article 41 (DPSP): Right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability. – Seventh Schedule: The subject of “relief of the disabled and unemployable” is listed under the state list, giving state governments jurisdiction over these matters. |
India’s Legal and Policy Framework for Disability Rights
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted in 2016, replacing the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995.
- It recognises 21 categories of disability, and mandates reservation in education and employment.
- India, as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is committed to building an accessible and inclusive society.
- The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 establishes a national body dedicated to the welfare of individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities, along with related matters and incidental provisions.
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992: RCI was initially established as a registered society in 1986 and later became a statutory body under an Act of Parliament in 1993.
Government Initiatives and Schemes
- Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign): Launched in 2015, the Campaign addresses long-standing barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
- It focuses on three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology (ICT) — ensuring equal access and participation for all.
- The Divyangjan Card, also known as the E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card (EPICS), is a railway identity card for people with disabilities that allows them to get concessions on train travel.
- The Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities project is being implemented to create a national database of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and issue a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) to each individual.
- PM-DAKSH DEPwD is the digital platform created by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
- It is intended as a one-stop hub connecting persons with disabilities, training institutes, employers, and job aggregators under the national skill & employment ecosystem.
- Promotion of Indian Sign Language (ISL): The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), set up in 2015 under DEPwD, serves as the nodal institution for advancing ISL across India.
- In 2024, Government launched PM e-vidya Channel 31 on DTH, exclusively dedicated to ISL training for hearing-impaired students, special educators, and interpreters.
Concerns
- Despite legal frameworks, many persons with disabilities (PwDs) face limited access to education, healthcare, and employment.
- Social stigma and discrimination continue to hinder social inclusion and opportunities.
- Implementation of policies and schemes is often uneven across regions, leading to gaps in service delivery.
- Awareness about rights and available support systems among PwDs and their families is still low, limiting effective utilization.
Concluding remarks
- The evolution of disability affairs in India shows increasing recognition of the rights and potential of persons with disabilities.
- Dedicated initiatives and platforms empower individuals, foster inclusivity, and create economic opportunities, contributing to a society where everyone can thrive with dignity.
Source: PIB
Previous article
News In Short 2-12-2025
