Disability Rights Through Courts: RPWD Act

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

(Act No. 49 of 2016)

[Dated 27th December, 2016]

[You can also download the Act as a PDF copy here (PDF 1163 KB)]

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.

Whereas the United Nations General Assembly adopted its Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the 13th day of December, 2006;

And Whereas the aforesaid Convention lays down the following principles for empowerment of persons with disabilities,-

(a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;

(b) non-discrimination;

(d) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;

(e) equality of opportunity;

(f) accessibility;

(g) equality between men and women;

(h) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities;

And Whereas India is a signatory to the said Convention;

And Whereas India ratified the said Convention on the 1st day of October, 2007;

And Whereas it is considered necessary to implement the Convention aforesaid.

Be it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-seventh Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

CHAPTER I - Preliminary (Section 1-2)

CHAPTER II - Rights and Entitlements (Section 3-15)

CHAPTER III - Education (Section 16-18)

CHAPTER IV - Skill Development and Employment (Section 19-23)

CHAPTER V - Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation (Section 24 -30)

CHAPTER VI - Special Provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Section 31-37)

CHAPTER VII - Special Provisions for Persons with Disabilities with High Support Needs (Section 38)

CHAPTER VIII - Duties and Responsibilities of Appropriate Governments (Section 39-48)