Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 - Improvement over 1995 Act

 We are not disabled by out physical composition. We are disabled by the public infrastructure that doesn't include us. Disable is the design of those architects, engineers, and constructors that designed those building which don't bear with us.
                        Sociology NCRT- XI

   By passing the Right of Persons With Disabilities Bill ( PWDs) the parliament has adopted a radically transformative piece of legislation that addresses the concerns of arguably the most marginalised section of society. According to 2011s Census India is the  home to 27 million people with disabilities and that's a large underestimation.

About the Bill:

    The new law empowers Persons with disabilities with the right to equality, preservation of dignity, and personal liberty.
PWDs act 2016 has been given special focus on vocational training and self empowerment. Preceding 1995 Act was provided free education till 18 Years and 3% reservation in government employment for persons with disabilities whereas the subsequent act comes with major differences like 4% reservation of seats in government sector and 5% seats in the private entities for employment.

The Significant difference of Persons with disabilities act 2016 was the type of disabilities have been increased to 21 instead of only 7 disabilities recognised in 1995.
Establishment of national and states funds subsuming present fund for PWDs and for empowerment of differently able persons.
Provision of guardianship with the consent of differently able persons.

Interestingly the new act is in conformity with United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities to which India is signatory.

   The disability sector has been waiting for this law patiently for the last two decades. It's the time to implement the new Persons with disabilities act 2016.

 This new law will ensure enjoyment of rights by PWDs on an equal basis with non disabled citizens of India. The new law would be a game changer if above mentioned concerns are implemented.