Do you think governments have done complete justice to the country's estimated 2.68 crore disabled people? Critically comment on existing policies on disabled people and measures need to be taken to empower them, especially in providing employment.
Answers
Indian Constitution ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all citizens of the country including persons with disabilities which implies an inclusive society for all (Article- 14).
Existing Policies for them:
1. Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, (1995): 3% quota in Govt Jobs
2. Accessible India Campaign: Creation of Accessible Environment for PwDs
3. National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2006: provides them equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in the society
4. Skill Development for PWDs: Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, SIPDA, National Action Plan, 2015 for for improving employment
Condition of Disable people:
1. Human Rights: Increased violence and discrimination, social and practical barriers e.g. Union of India v. National Federation of the Blind
2. Skill Mission low penetration: very low access of the present training infrastructure to the PwDs in rural areas
3. Poverty: persons with disabilities are among the poorest in the population
4. Denied the benefits of reservation: e.g. Rajeev Kumar Gupta and Others v. Union of India
Measures that need to be taken
1. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2008): need to align as per global rights standards
2. Modification of 1995 Act: Some provisions of the 2005 office memorandum were inconsistent with it and need to be modified wrt quota percent
3. PP with CSR: Targeted optimal use of CSR funds
4. Improvising Implementation: There are lots of policies but need to work on implementation
5. Transparency: Use of technology to monitor funds and benefit reach to poor
6. DBT: Direct benefit transfer may help to remove leakages
The need of the hour is the political will to ensure that disability is included across all policies, across all Ministries and Departments and all spheres of life.