Model Answer

Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India

Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India face numerous barriers that hinder their full participation in society:

1. Social Stigma: PwDs often face discrimination and prejudice, which impacts their integration into families, communities, and workplaces.
2. Accessibility Issues: Public transport, schools, and buildings are typically not designed with PwDs in mind, limiting their access to essential services.
3. Communication Barriers: Lack of access to information and communication technologies (ICT) further isolates PwDs from opportunities for education, employment, and social interaction.
4. Policy Gaps: While laws exist to protect the rights of PwDs, there is a lack of awareness and enforcement, compounded by inadequate data to inform policy development.
5. Poverty Reinforcement: Disabilities often limit access to education and employment, resulting in higher poverty levels among PwDs.

Government Initiatives to Empower PwDs

To address these challenges, the government has implemented several measures:

1. Legislations: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates a 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% seat reservation in educational institutions. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 ensures free education for children with disabilities.
2. Policies and Frameworks: The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, aims at physical, educational, and economic rehabilitation. India also adheres to international agreements like the UNCRPD, 2006.
3. Schemes: Government schemes like the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), Skill Development Programs, and the ADIP Scheme focus on improving mobility, skill development, and access to aids and appliances for PwDs.

Despite these efforts, there remains a need for improved implementation, greater awareness, and enhanced capacity-building to ensure that PwDs receive full social justice and equality.

Sources: Census 2011, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006.