Empowering Persons with Disabilities

  Sansad TV   May 5, 2025  Add to Reading List
Empowering Persons with Disabilities

Tamil Nadu has pioneered a groundbreaking legislative reform by reserving positions for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in local governing bodies. This landmark move signals a transformative shift from symbolic representation to meaningful inclusion, enabling disabled individuals to actively participate in governance and assume leadership roles within their communities. As the first state in India to implement such a measure, Tamil Nadu sets a powerful example for the rest of the country, reinforcing constitutional ideals of equality, empowerment, and participatory democracy at the grassroots level.

Key Legal and Policy Provisions Supporting PwDs in India

Constitutional Guarantees:

  • Article 14 – Equality Before Law: Ensures that every citizen, including persons with disabilities, is treated equally under the law.

  • Article 15 – Non-Discrimination: Prevents discrimination and permits the government to introduce targeted welfare initiatives for PwDs.

  • Article 16 – Equal Opportunity in Employment: Promotes equal employment opportunities in the public sector and enables job reservations for PwDs.

  • Article 41 – Right to Work and Education: Mandates state responsibility in providing support related to education, employment, and welfare for PwDs.

Key Legislative and Programmatic Frameworks:

  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: A comprehensive law expanding the recognized categories of disability to 21, including mental illness, multiple disabilities, and learning disorders. It mandates 4% reservation in government employment and 5% in educational institutions for PwDs.

  • Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to ensure barrier-free access in public infrastructure, digital platforms, and transport systems through universal design principles.

  • Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): This government-backed program offers financial support to NGOs engaged in vocational training, skill development, and awareness activities related to disability.

  • National Trust Act, 1999: Established to provide long-term care, legal guardianship, and support services for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.

Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities in India

Barriers in Education and Skills Acquisition:

Despite policy reforms, educational institutions often lack accessible infrastructure, trained educators, and inclusive curricula. According to a 2019 study, over 25% of children with disabilities aged 5–19 have never attended any school, severely limiting their future employment prospects.

Employment Disparities:

Although the RPwD Act mandates employment reservation, workplace discrimination, lack of accommodations, and social biases continue to restrict job opportunities. As per the National Sample Survey (NSS), only 36% of PwDs are employed, with women facing far greater hurdles than men.

Inadequate Infrastructure and Public Access:

While campaigns like Accessible India have begun addressing public accessibility, rural regions remain largely untouched. A 2018 government report found that only 3% of public buildings were fully accessible to PwDs.

Healthcare and Rehabilitation Gaps:

PwDs often struggle to access appropriate medical care and rehabilitation services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Data shows that around 20% of households with a disabled member spend a significant portion of their income on disability-related healthcare expenses.

Social Exclusion and Discrimination:

Prevailing social attitudes frequently marginalize PwDs. Negative stereotypes affect their inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public life. Women with disabilities, in particular, face dual discrimination based on gender and disability.

Weak Social Security Coverage:

Despite existing schemes, many PwDs remain excluded from government welfare due to inefficient implementation and lack of awareness. The NSS 76th round found that less than a quarter of PwDs received any government or non-government aid.

Limited Access to Technology and Assistive Tools:

While assistive technologies have the potential to greatly improve independence and quality of life, less than 10% of PwDs have access to such devices. This digital divide is more pronounced in rural areas, affecting access to education, employment, and essential services.

Underrepresentation in Political Life:

PwDs remain vastly underrepresented in political and civic decision-making. Tamil Nadu's recent initiative is a rare exception. Without sufficient political participation, the needs and rights of PwDs often remain overlooked in policymaking.

Strategies for Strengthening Inclusion and Empowerment of PwDs

Developing Accessible Infrastructure:

India must urgently adopt a standardized approach to ensure full physical accessibility in public buildings, transport, and digital spaces. This includes constructing ramps, tactile paths, elevators, and accessible toilets, with regular audits for compliance.

Fostering Inclusive Education:

Educational institutions should be restructured to accommodate children with disabilities through inclusive teaching methods, assistive learning technologies, and specialized teacher training. The Salamanca Statement on inclusive education should serve as a guiding principle.

Engaging the Private Sector:

The government should incentivize private companies to hire PwDs by offering tax benefits, subsidies, and public recognition. Legal provisions such as Section 47 of the PwD Act, which prohibits the dismissal of employees who acquire disabilities, must be strictly enforced.

Expanding Vocational Training:

Customized vocational training and digital skill-building programs can help PwDs secure meaningful employment. These initiatives should be designed in collaboration with the private sector and tailored to different types of disabilities.

Strengthening Enforcement of Disability Laws:

A dedicated commission should be created to oversee the enforcement of disability rights, monitor policy implementation, and impose penalties for violations. Accurate, up-to-date disability data is essential for effective policymaking.

Encouraging Disability Entrepreneurship:

India should promote entrepreneurship among PwDs by offering start-up funding, mentorship, and marketing support. Highlighting successful role models like Preethi Srinivasan and initiatives like Shark Tank India’s "Divyang Special" episode can inspire others.

Changing Mindsets through Awareness Campaigns:

A national media campaign should challenge negative stereotypes and promote awareness about disability inclusion. School curriculums should include disability sensitization to build empathy from an early age. Films like Taare Zameen Par and Srikant offer powerful narratives that can drive cultural change.

Strengthening Health and Rehabilitation Services:

Healthcare access must be improved with mobile rehab centers, specialized care, and inclusive insurance policies covering assistive devices. Services should be extended to the grassroots through local health networks.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu’s policy of reserving positions for persons with disabilities in local governance is a historic step toward inclusive democracy. It reaffirms India’s constitutional promise of equality and reflects a broader vision aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 10 (Reducing Inequality) and SDG 16 (Inclusive Institutions). To truly transform the lives of PwDs, India must move from policy intent to sustained, inclusive action—ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, can contribute to and benefit from national development.