Context
The Census 2027 disability questionnaire has raised concerns because it provides fewer disability categories than those recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Accurate enumeration is important for disability-specific welfare, education, reservation and public policy.
Explanation
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 and gives effect to India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
- It expanded recognised disabilities from 7 to 21 specified disabilities.
- These include blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, specific learning disabilities, mental illness, dwarfism, acid attack victims, haemophilia, thalassemia and sickle-cell disease.
- A person with benchmark disability has at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified by the competent authority.
- The Act provides 4% reservation in government employment for persons with benchmark disabilities.
- It provides 5% reservation in government and government-aided higher educational institutions.
- It emphasises equality, non-discrimination, accessibility, reasonable accommodation and inclusive education.
- The Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities monitor implementation of the Act.
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RPwD Act 2016: Disability Data and Inclusive Governance