Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Definition of Divyangjans: Explain who Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities, PwDs) are.
- Contextual Statistics:
- Fact: According to Census 2011, there are approximately 26.8 million PwDs in India, making up 2.21% of the total population.
2. Challenges Faced by Divyangjans
- Lower Literacy Levels:
- Fact: About 45.6% of PwDs are illiterate, with three-fourths of children with disabilities out of school. High dropout rates occur due to lack of accessible facilities.
- Higher Poverty Rates:
- Fact: Approximately 41.4% of PwDs are multidimensionally poor, and only one-third are employed (Census 2011).
- Poor Health Conditions:
- Barriers to healthcare include lack of awareness, high transportation costs, and inaccessible medical facilities.
- Discrimination:
- Fact: A survey by Equality Human Rights found that at least 18% of respondents experienced unfair treatment or harassment.
3. Legislative Provisions for Divyangjans
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:
- Fact: This Act aligns with UNCRPD and includes several key provisions:
- Free Education: Right to free education for children with benchmark disabilities aged 6 to 18.
- Reservation: 5% reservation in higher education and 4% in government jobs, along with allocations in poverty alleviation schemes.
- Guardianship: Allows joint decision-making between guardians and PwDs.
- Penalties for Offenses: Establishes penalties for offenses against PwDs.
- Fact: This Act aligns with UNCRPD and includes several key provisions:
4. Government Initiatives
- Accessible India Campaign:
- Aims for universal accessibility in built environments, transportation, and ICT systems.
- Unique Disability Identity (UDID):
- Creates a national database for PwDs to enhance efficiency in benefit delivery.
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’:
- A 24/7 helpline available in 13 languages for mental health support.
- ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ Cultural Event:
- Provides a platform for showcasing the talents of PwDs in performing arts.
- ADIP Scheme:
- Assists disabled persons in acquiring aids and appliances for rehabilitation.
5. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the challenges, legislative provisions, and initiatives.
- Call to Action: Emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among the government, NGOs, and society to create an inclusive environment for Divyangjans.
Relevant Facts and Sources
- Census 2011: 26.8 million PwDs, 2.21% of the population.
- 45.6% illiteracy rate among PwDs: Indicates educational challenges.
- 41.4% multidimensional poverty: Reflects economic challenges.
- 18% discrimination rate: Highlights social issues.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Key legislative framework for PwDs.
This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while integrating relevant facts effectively.
Model Answer
Challenges Faced by Divyangjans in India
India is home to approximately 26.8 million persons with disabilities (PwDs), accounting for 2.21% of the population (Census 2011). Despite this significant number, Divyangjans face several challenges:
Legislative Provisions for Divyangjans
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted in alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Key provisions include:
Government Initiatives
To uplift Divyangjans, the government has implemented several initiatives:
Conclusion
Achieving an inclusive society requires collaboration among the government, NGOs, PwD associations, academic bodies, and civil society. Continuous efforts are essential to strengthen the capacity for rehabilitation and research, ensuring that Divyangjans can fully participate in society.