RIGHTS OF DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PERSONS

The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals and implicit mandates an inclusive society for all including the persons with disabilities. More than 650 million men, women and children in the world suffer from either mental or physical disability. Most of them live in the developing world. They suffer from discrimination and a lower standard of living. They are often denied basic educational opportunities and often given menial or poorly paid jobs. Social attitudes exclude them from cultural life and normal social relationships. Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. As per the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities have been identified viz blindness, low vision, leprosy cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation and mental illness, persons falling under the above categories with a minimum of 40% disability are eligible for entitlement of all benefits provided by the Government. Disabled people need equal services and opportunities for their overall development, which is also an essential attribute for inclusive growth. Persons with Disabilities Act,1995 does not pay any serious attention to securing some basic rights like the right to human dignity, right to equal concern and respect, right against discrimination in public employment and educational institutions, right against exploitation, right against victimization etc. The Act has completely ignored Pre-school education of disabled children, special problems of the parents of the disabled, special problems of the female disabled, games, sports and cultural activities, exploitation of disabled by their own families, higher education of the disabled. In practically Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 not fully followed by the Central and State Governments. Separate departments were created by both Central and State Government, but not followed the rules and regulations stated in the said Act completely. Disabled People are treated as second class citizens. This paper deals with present position rights of disabled persons and gives some suggestions to improve it.