DEPwD under Ministry of Social Justice organized Inclusive India Summit on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Three MoUs signed to enhance disability inclusion.
Initiatives:
- Launch of ‘Accessibility Index’.
- Promotion of inclusive infrastructure.
- Awareness via hackathons & national competitions.
- GAAD: Observed every 3rd Thursday of May since 2012 to promote digital accessibility.
Why Accessibility Matters?
- Equal Rights & Participation: Enables PwDs access to education, jobs, health, freedom of expression.
- Removes Barriers: Tackles physical, social, and digital hurdles.
- International Frameworks: UNCRPD, World Programme of Action, Standard Rules recognize accessibility as a right.
- Boosts Development: Inclusion promotes economic growth, reduces poverty.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 41: Public assistance in cases of disablement.
- Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies:
- Twelfth Schedule (Entry 9 of Article 243-W): “Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded.”
- Eleventh Schedule (Entry 26 of Article 243-G): “Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded.”
Status of PwDs in India:
- 68 crore PwDs (2.21% of population) – Census 2011.
- Disability higher among males (2.4%) and in rural areas.
- RPwD Act, 2016: Recognizes 21 disability types.
Key Policies & Laws
- National Policy for PwDs, 2006: Equal opportunities & rights.
- RPwD Act, 2016: Aligns with UNCRPD (ratified in 2008).
- National Trust Act, 1999: For Autism, CP, MR, Multiple Disabilities.
- RCI Act, 1992: Regulates rehabilitation professionals.
- SIPDA (2015): Skill development for PwDs (15–59 yrs).
Judicial Support:
- Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024): Accessibility linked to Article 21 (Right to Life).
- RBI v. A.K. Nair (2023): Affirmed reservation in promotions for PwDs under RPwD Act.
Challenges Faced
- Physical Inaccessibility: Only 3% of buildings are accessible.
- Educational Exclusion: Literacy rate among PwDs is only 52.2%.
- Employment Gaps: Only 34 lakh employed out of 1.3 crore employable PwDs**.
- Healthcare & Digital Exclusion: Poor outreach, lack of assistive tech.
- Legal Implementation Gaps: Poor enforcement of accessibility norms.
Way Forward:
- Barrier-Free Infrastructure: Revamp Accessible India Campaign.
- Inclusive Education: Appoint special educators; implement NEP with disability focus.
- Employment: Strengthen PM-DAKSH, Rozgar Setu, incentivize employers.
- Digital & Financial Inclusion: GIGW compliance, accessible banking, outreach via Jan Dhan etc.
- Healthcare Access: Include PwDs in Ayushman Bharat, train ASHAs.
- Sensitisation Programs: For officials, judiciary, healthcare workers.
Achieving inclusion needs coordinated efforts across infrastructure, education, employment, healthcare, and digital access. Stronger policy implementation and societal commitment are essential forempowering PwDs.
