The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, represents a significant legal framework aimed at ensuring the rights of individuals with disabilities in India. However, its effectiveness hinges on the comprehensive sensitization of government functionaries and citizens to foster understanding and compliance.

Q.7 The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, is a comprehensive legislation aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in India. It broadens the definition of disability, increases the number of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, and mandates a range of rights including equality, non-discrimination, and accessibility. The Act's impact is significant in areas such as education, employment, and social security, but its effective implementation requires widespread sensitization.

Body

Several provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016, necessitate the sensitization of government functionaries and citizens:

  • Accessibility: The Act mandates that public buildings, transportation, and information and communication technology be made accessible. Sensitization is crucial to ensure that these standards are met and maintained.
  • Education: The Act requires inclusive education for children with disabilities. Teachers and educational administrators need training to effectively integrate and support these students.
  • Employment: The Act provides for a 4% reservation in government jobs for persons with disabilities. Employers and HR personnel must be sensitised to accommodate and support disabled employees.
  • Social Security: The Act ensures various social security measures for persons with disabilities. Government officials need to be aware of these provisions to facilitate their implementation.

‍

Sensitization of government functionaries and citizens can lead to several benefits:

  • Increased Access to Public Facilities: Sensitized officials are more likely to ensure that public facilities are accessible, thereby improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
  • Enhanced Employment Opportunities: Awareness among employers can lead to better job opportunities and workplace accommodations for persons with disabilities.
  • Inclusive Education: Trained educators can provide better support, leading to improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Conclusion

Data from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) indicates that only 28% of public buildings in India are accessible. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted that only 40% of government schools are equipped to handle children with disabilities. These figures underscore the challenges in implementing the RPwD Act due to a lack of sensitization.

In conclusion, the sensitization of government functionaries and citizens is crucial for the effective implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016. Without it, the Act remains a legal document with limited real-world impact. There is a pressing need for more sensitization programs and public awareness campaigns to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully realised.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly

‍

Read more blogs