Rights of Persons With Disabilities (RPWD) bill provides for penalties for offences committed against Persons With Disabilities
Types of Disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21 and Central Government will have power to add more types of Disabilities
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot addresses the Press Conference
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment has said that in the “Rights of Persons With Disabilities (RPWD) Bill, the Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept and the types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21 and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities. Addressing a Press Conference on the occasion of “International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December)” here today, he said that Speech and Language Disability and Specific Learning Disability have been added for the first time. Acid Attack Victims have been included. Dwarfism, muscular dystrophy have has been indicated as separate class of specified disability. The New categories of disabilities also included three blood disorders, Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell disease.
Shri Gehlot informed the media persons that the Bill provides for penalties for offences committed against persons with disabilities. Designated special Courts have been proposed to handle cases concerning violation of rights of PwDs.
The Minister said that the additional benefits have been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs. Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
He said that it has been proposed to increase reservation from 3% to 4% in Government jobs for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability.
The Minister further said that strengthening of the Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and State Commissioners of Disabilities has been proposed, which will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also monitor implementation of the Act. These Offices will be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising of experts in various disabilities. Creation of National and State Fund has been proposed to provide financial support to the persons with disabilities.
