The Disability Rights Movement in India

The disability rights movement in India started only in the early 1990s. The launch of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons in 1993 gave a definite boost to the movement. In the same year, the Government of India organised a National Seminar in New Delhi to discuss the various issues concerning the disabled citizens. The main need that emerged from the seminar was for a comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. However, it was only after intense lobbying by the Disabled Rights Group (DRG) that the crucial legislation was passed in 1995. In a single day, both Houses of Parliament passed the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act without any procedural wrangling. This was a landmark in the history of disability rights movement in India. Though the roots of statutory provisions for ensuring equality and equalization of opportunities to the disabled citizens in our country could be traced to Part III (Fundamental Rights and Duties) & Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy). The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity to all individuals and thus, implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all, including persons with disabilities. In the recent years, there have been vast and positive changes in the perception of the society towards persons with disabilities. It has been realized that the majority of persons with disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they are provided equal opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures.