THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BILL, 2016

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 is an Act to give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Act ensures that persons with disabilities enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity, and respect for their integrity equally with others. It prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and provides protection from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The Act also ensures equal protection and safety in situations of risk, armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters.

The Bill provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which shall have the power to investigate into allegations of abuse, violence, exploitation, or discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Commission shall also recommend appropriate action to be taken by the appropriate Government or any other authority.

The Act ensures that all polling stations are accessible to persons with disabilities and provides free legal aid to them in case of any dispute. It also provides for the appointment of a Grievance Redressal Officer in every establishment to address complaints related to employment of persons with disabilities.

The Bill provides for inclusive education, vocational training, and self-employment schemes for persons with disabilities. It also ensures that all establishments have equal opportunity policies and provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities. The Act requires every establishment to maintain records of the persons with disabilities in relation to the matter of employment, facilities provided, and other necessary information.

The Bill provides for the formulation of a Central Advisory Board on disability, which shall advise the Central Government on matters related to persons with disabilities. The State Governments are also required to formulate their own advisory boards on disability. The Act requires every establishment to notify equal opportunity policy detailing measures proposed to be taken by it in pursuance of the provisions of this Chapter.

The Bill provides for the creation of a National Fund for Persons with Disabilities, which shall be used for providing assistance to persons with disabilities and promoting awareness about their rights.