During the winter session of Rajya Sabha and Loksabha (houses in Indian parliament) has passed long pending Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill and named it as The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 [PDF].
This Act of the parliament received assent of the President on The 27th December, 2016.
This is an Act to give effect to United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities [PDF] which was adopted by the United Nations on 13th December, 2006. India happened to be one of the first signatories of this convention but not signed the optional protocol. India has ratified the convention on 1st October, 2007.
The UN Convention has laid down the following principles:
- Respect for inherent dignity
- Non-discrimination
- Full and effective participation in the society
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of diversity and humanity
- Equality of opportunity
- Accessibility
- Equality between men and women
- Respect for evolving capacities for children with disabilities
Through series of posts, I’ll be writing my interpretation of this Act and my personal opinions how this would benefit people with disabilities and at some instances, I’ll also be discussing the areas of improvements.
Stay tuned!
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