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India reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), with renewed focus on accessibility, digital empowerment, education, livelihoods, and rights-based governance for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Disability Scenario in India

According to the Census 2011, India has 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, constituting 2.21% of the total population. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 defines a person with disability as someone with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders full and effective participation in society.

Disability and poverty are closely linked, making inclusive growth essential for ensuring dignity, independence, and equal opportunity.

Constitutional and International Commitments

The Indian Constitution supports disability rights through:

• Article 21, which ensures the right to live with dignity
• Article 41 (DPSP), which directs the State to provide assistance in cases of disability
• The State List (Seventh Schedule) includes relief of the disabled

India is also a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), committing to a rights-based approach to inclusion.

Legal and Policy Framework

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is the cornerstone law. It recognises 21 categories of disabilities, mandates reservations in education and employment, and enforces accessibility, non-discrimination, and inclusive education.
• The National Trust Act, 1999 supports persons with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual and multiple disabilities.
• The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992 regulates training of rehabilitation professionals and maintains a national register.
• The Scheme for Implementation of RPwD Act (SIPDA) supports ministries and states in making infrastructure and services accessible.

Major Government Initiatives

• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), launched in 2015, aims to improve accessibility in public buildings, transport systems, and information and communication technology. The revamped Sugamya Bharat App now serves as a digital accessibility hub with mapping tools, scheme directories, and grievance reporting.
• The Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project creates a national database and provides a universal disability identity card, improving transparency and access to benefits.
• The ADIP Scheme provides assistive devices, including advanced aids like cochlear implants, to support independent living.
• The Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) funds NGOs working in rehabilitation and education.
• The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) provides concessional loans for self-employment under schemes such as Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana.
• ALIMCO, a government-owned enterprise, manufactures and distributes assistive devices nationwide.

Digital and Educational Inclusion

• The PM-DAKSH DEPwD portal links PwDs to skill training and employment opportunities.
• The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) promotes Indian Sign Language (ISL). The launch of PM e-Vidya Channel 31 provides dedicated ISL training. ISLRTC has also created the world’s largest ISL digital repository and expanded the ISL dictionary to over 10,000 terms.
• The PRASHAST App enables early screening of disabilities in schoolchildren.

Inclusion Through Culture and Enterprise

• The Divya Kala Mela provides market linkages to Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs under the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
• The Purple Fest celebrates inclusion, assistive technologies, and accessibility innovations.

Key Challenges

• Despite progress, barriers remain in accessibility, employment, healthcare costs, awareness, and last-mile delivery. Digital divides and social stigma continue to hinder full participation.

India’s disability framework is shifting toward rights-based, technology-enabled, and inclusion-driven governance. Strengthening awareness, enforcing accessibility standards, expanding financial support, and improving implementation will be crucial for achieving the goal of “inclusive growth with dignity”.