Understanding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016) is a significant legislation in India that replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. This Act aims to uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion and full participation in society. The question asks about the main features of this Act. Let's examine the options provided:

Key Features of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Increased Number of Recognized Disabilities

One of the major advancements brought by the RPwD Act, 2016, is the expansion of the list of recognized disabilities. The previous Act of 1995 listed only 7 disabilities. The 2016 Act significantly increased this number to 21. This broader definition includes specific conditions such as:

• Mental illness
• Acid attack victims
• Parkinson's disease
• Dwarfism
• Learning disabilities
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Thalassemia, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell disease
• Multiple disabilities (including deafblindness)

This expansion ensures that a larger segment of the population with diverse conditions can access the rights and benefits provided under the Act. Therefore, statement 1, "Number of disabilities increased from 7 to 21," is a correct feature of the Act.

Enhanced Reservation Quota

The Act also addresses the aspect of reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities (individuals with not less than forty per cent of a specified disability where the severity is certified). The RPwD Act, 2016, increased the percentage of reservation in government jobs and higher educational institutions from the previous 3% to 4%. This aims to provide better opportunities for employment and education to persons with disabilities. Therefore, statement 2, "Percentage of reservation increased from 3% to 4%," is also a correct feature of the Act.

Establishment of Special Courts

To ensure speedy trial and effective enforcement of the rights of persons with disabilities, the Act mandates the establishment of special courts. As per the Act, the State Government shall, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification, specify for each district a Court of Session to be a Special Court to try offences under the Act. This provision is crucial for addressing violations of the rights of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. Therefore, statement 3, "Special courts, to handle cases related to violation of rights of person with disabilities, set up in each district," is another correct feature of the Act.

Conclusion on the Features of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Based on the analysis of the individual statements:

• The number of recognized disabilities increased from 7 to 21.
• The percentage of reservation increased from 3% to 4%.
• Special courts are to be set up in each district to handle relevant cases.

All three statements accurately describe key features of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Hence, the option that includes all of these features is the correct answer.

Revision Table: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act Features

Additional Information on Disability Rights Act

Beyond the features mentioned in the question, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, includes several other important provisions aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Some of these include:

• Accessibility: Mandates accessibility standards for buildings, transportation, information, and communication.
• Education: Ensures inclusive education and mandates appropriate infrastructure and support systems in educational institutions.
• Employment: Promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination in employment.
• Social Security: Provisions for social security measures, healthcare, and rehabilitation.
• Guardian and Support: Recognizes the concept of limited guardianship and provides for support arrangements.
• National and State Advisory Boards: Constitutes advisory boards for policy formulation and review.
• Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners: Appoints commissioners to monitor implementation and inquire into complaints.

The Act is based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India ratified in 2007. It reflects a paradigm shift from a medical model of disability to a social model, viewing disability as a result of the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers.