Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 3. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
According to Census 2011, over 2.21% of India’s population lives with disabilities. The RPwD Act, 2016 was a step forward, but inadequate sensitisation has limited its transformation from law into lived reality.
Body
Key Provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016
- Expanded Definition of Disability: recognizes 21 conditions including mental illness, blood disorders, and multiple disabilities.
- Reservation in Education and Jobs: provides 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% in higher education.
- Rights-Based Approach: ensures equality, non-discrimination, accessibility, and protection from exploitation.
- Grievance Redressal and Penalties: creates central and state-level commissioners to monitor implementation and ensure compliance.
Why the Act Remains Under-Implemented
- Low Awareness Among Officials: training modules on disability rights are absent in many bureaucratic or institutional settings. Example: A 2022 NCPEDP report found that over 70% of government officers hadn’t undergone any disability sensitisation training.
- Social Stigma and Public Apathy: disability continues to be seen as a charity issue rather than a rights issue. Example: Despite having ramps, polling booths in 2024 remained inaccessible in several states due to negligence.
- Infrastructure Inaccessibility: public buildings and digital platforms remain largely non compliant with accessibility standards. Example: Only 3% of government websites were fully accessible per the 2023 report by Digital Empowerment Foundation.
- Lack of Budgetary Prioritisation: implementation funds are scattered and underutilised, leading to ineffective delivery. Example: The 2022-23 audit of Accessible India Campaign found less than 50% fund utilisation in target cities.
- Tokenism in Inclusion: inclusion lacks depth and continuity, failing to translate into meaningful participation. Example: Only 0.5% of total government recruits were persons with disabilities despite the 4% quota.
Way Forward
- Sensitisation Training: integrate disability awareness into mandatory induction and in service training for government officials.
- Community Awareness Drives: conduct sustained national and local campaigns to foster rights-based understanding of disability.
- Strict Monitoring and Accountability: strengthen disability audits, reporting mechanisms, and enforcement by state commissioners.
- Inclusive Budgeting: ring-fence funding for disability schemes and incentivise universal design in infrastructure and services.
Conclusion
To realise the UNCRPD’s goals and constitutional values of dignity and equality (Article 46), sensitisation must accompany legislation. A humane, inclusive society demands both legal entitlements and social transformation.
