Projects : RPWD

Rights for Persons with Disabilities

The Indian Sign Language (ISL) version of RPWD.

I will explain you about the RPWD bill. India ratified UNCRPD on 1st October 2007, at that time Javed Abidi, Disability Activist, consulted the Indian Govt. explaining the need of a new law for all the Disabilities.

The Govt. at that time suggested that add-ons could be made to the old PWD Act 1995, but no creation of a new law. The debate of creating a new law over the old law continued for seven months. Eventually, in May 2010, the Govt. agreed to making a new law.

Visually Impaired, Orthopedically-Challenged, Deaf and various other disabilities were considered for the same. A committee was set up to prepare the new RPWD bill and surprisingly no deaf person was called to join the committee. On questioning, the answer we got from the Govt. was there is already a hard-of-hearing member present but he does not know the sign language.

After constant meetings, A.S.Narayanan (myself), was the first one to be called to join the committee and working of the RPWD bill started to progress in the span of 2 years.

If you remember the RPWD Bill rally of 2014 in February in Delhi where thousands of deaf people came, it was to tell the Govt. to table the RPWD Bill in the Parliament session. 58 different bills were already listed and only 8 had to be taken. Thanks to our protests, the RPWD Bill was considered in the February 2014 session of Parliament. But due to the disagreements of some others disability groups, they protested against it so the the Govt. sent the bill to the Standing Committee in April 2014. In May 2014, new Govt., the BJP, came into the power.

The new Govt. took the reports about the RPWD bill from the Standing Committee. Disability groups including NAD were called by the standing committee to give the recommendations for the bill.

The Govt. in December 2015 – January 2016 sent the bill again to the Group of Ministers chaired by Mr. Rajnath Singh, Home Minister. It was also sent to the PMO in June 2015. NAD recently found out in the newspaper that the term "hearing impaired" has been used in the bill. We only support two definitions "deaf" and "hard of hearing". So, we sent several letters to demand usage of those terms.

We hope and pray that the Govt. will accept them. May be the bill will come up in 2016 December session or February 2017, but it is sure that bill will soon get passed. We pray that the Govt. speeds up the work.

History of Activites

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Aug 13 2022

Location: AJYNISHD(D), Mumbai    Activities: Workshop
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National Workshop for Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities

The National Workshop was conducted by the four organizations on 13th and 14th August, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 6:00PM where Deaf Leaders from different states of India were invited to share their knowledge, opinions and suggestions for the drafting of National Policy for Persons With Disabilities.

The four organisations contributed their responsibilities. National Association of the Deaf (NAD) took care of the Invitation Letters and Correspondences with the Delegates. Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) (AJYNISHD) provided the Conference Hall, Tea/Coffee/Snack and Lunch for both days. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) covered the flight and train expenses. Signing Hands Foundation (SHF) provided the accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

The Workshop started off with the National Anthem video created by ISH News. After individual introductions were made, Kanchan Pamnani, Advocate & Solicitor shared her perspectives on RPWD 2016 and what we should contribute to the National Policy.

Over the course of 2 days Deaf leaders and interpreters gave a presentation on each chapter mentioned in the Draft policy. After discussing the chapter and its shortcomings in detail, the attendees provided their recommendations to improve the policies. 

On the first day the following chapters were covered: 

• ‘Education’ was covered by Mr Sibaji Panda & Mr Sunil Sahasrabudhe. 
• ‘Health’ by Pallavi Kulshrestha. 
• ‘Skill Development and Employment’ by Arun C Rao. 
• ‘Accessibility’ by Aqil Chinoy. 

The first day was concluded after a round of discussions, discussing the various suggestions made for the aforementioned chapters. 

The attendees then went back to the accommodation provided by SHF where after dinner, an impromptu discourse was held. 

On the second day the following chapters were covered: 

• ‘Lack of data and invisibility of persons with disabilities.’ by Mr Akshay of NCPEDP. 
• ‘Disability Certificate’ by Mr.A. S. Narayanan. 
• ‘Sports, Culture and Recreation’ by Isaac K.C and Babu Eapen. 
• ‘Protection of Rights or PWD’s and other policy measures’ with Dr. Renuka Rameshan. 
• ‘Women & Children’ by Saudamini Pethe. 

The day ended with a summary of all the recommendations for the Draft Policy. 

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 NAD Recommendation Letter to DEPwD Letter to DEPwD with all the recommendations for National Policy of PWD. PDF / (1.32 MB)

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May 24 2018

Location: New Delhi    Activities:
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RPWD Act 2016 in Indian Sign Language

Chapter I - Preliminary!

Chapter II - Rights and Entitlements

Chapter III - Education

Chapter IV - Skill Development and Employment

Chapter V - Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation

Chapter VI - Special Provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities

Chapter VII - Special Provisions for Persons with High Support Needs

Chapter VIII - Duties and Responsibilities of Appropriate Governments

Chapter IX - Registration of Institutions for Persons with Disabilities and Grants to such Institutions

Chapter X - Certification of Specified Disabilities

Chapter XI - Central & State Advisory Boards on Disability and District Level Committees

Chapter XII - Chief Commissioner and State Commissioner for Disabilities

Chapter XIII - Special Courts

Chapter XIV - National Fund For Persons with Disabilities

Chapter XV - State Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Chapter XVI - Punishment for Offences of Atrocities

Chapter XVII - Power of State Government to make Rules

The Schedule
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Feb 01 2018

Location: USI, New Delhi    Activities: Meeting
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Meeting of National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NCRPD) met in Delhi on 1st February 2018 to discuss several issues pertaining to the new law, accessibility, among others. Mr. A. S. Narayanan, President of National Association of the Deaf, Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of NAD, Mr. Siddharth Gautam, Member of NAD, Mr. Sachin Singh, Instructor of Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre, & Ms. Manisha Sharma, Student of ISLRTC participated in the meeting.

Mr. A. S. Narayanan had talks on deaf & hard of hearing issues to disabled leaders from all over India participating in the meeting.

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Apr 02 2017

Location: Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Activities: Events
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NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DRAFT RULES OF RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The National Workshop on Draft Rules of Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held on 2nd April 2017 at Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Raod, New Delhi organised by National Association of the Deaf (NAD), All India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) and All India Foundation of Deaf Women (AIFDW). It was a one day long workshop on Draft Rules of RPWD from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There were about 91 deaf leaders from all over India including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal and etc.

The workshop started with the welcome note by Mr. Anuj Jain, Executive Director of NAD. He said that the RPWD Act received the assent of the President on 26th December 2016. Currently 2 people from the deaf sector are part of the planning committee for the draft rules, they are Shri A.S. Narayanan, President of National Association of the Deaf, Smt. Uma Tuli, Founder Secretary of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust and Shri S K Rungta, General Secretary of National Federation of the Blind.

Mr. Anuj Jain Introduced all the participants in the workshop.

Mr. A S Narayanan, President of NAD the participants of the workshop that the top most priority for the deaf sector is Employment and then Education. He then shared his experience about the RPWD Bill. When an act gets asent from the president all the chapters in the act are then changed to rules. These rules may vary from the actual chapters and sections mentioned in the Act.

The government initially wanted to stick with the PWD act and asked the disability group to add on any changes to the act. After heavy discussions amongst the group it was decided that a new Act is what we need.

For the first time a deaf person was included in the working group of the Act. Narayanan was not familiar with the process of the act or anything of this sort and in these meetings he realised that his voice was not being heard. After a few meetings he learned to be strong and encouraged his interpreters to make sure his voice was heard by the other members every time.

In 2013, the RPWD Act could have been passed but the Lok Pal Bill became the major focus and was given the priority. NAD gathered 3000 people from all over India  at India gate to get the Bill passed in the parliament. We were successful in getting the attention of the media and the government but still there was no progress. In 2015, with the new government the RPWD bill was moved to the parliament and it was agreed that the term Hearing Impaired should not be solely used but the term Deaf and Hearing Impaired should be used.

Mr. T K M Sandeep, Vice President of NAD and CEO of Deaf Enabled Foundation said that the purpose for us to know all the chapters and sections in the Act meant for the deaf in the Bill is to ensure that all these provisions are carried forward in the Draft Rules of the RPWD bill too.

Mr. Sibaji Panda said other disability groups have come a long way fighting for their rightful needs. We have just started. Narayanan has been to a few meetings and has found it difficult to understand all the things because the terminology is different. Linking our needs to the services provided by the government is essential. Identification of such needs is then significant.

All of us are aware of the situation in public transport. The bus conductor shouts out the different drop off points and we the deaf are left unaware. We need to keep asking the fellow passengers when our stop will come. How long will we do this? We need to find a way to make our lives easier.

We are open to suggestions from all of you. So, now all the participants will be divided in groups.

Mr. A S Narayanan, President of NAD, Mr. Zorin Singha, Secretary of NAD, Mr. Onkar Sharma, General Secretary of All India Federation of the Deaf and Mrs. Uma Kapoor, General Secretary of All India Foundation of Deaf Women thanked everyone for coming and participating in the workshop.

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Mar 22 2017

Location: New Delhi    Activities:
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Workshop on the Draft Rules regarding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

Dear Deaf Leaders,

Greetings from the National Association of the Deaf!

We are very glad to announce that we, All India Federation of the Deaf, NAD, All India Foundation of Deaf Women are going to organise the Workshop on the Draft to Make Rules on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 at Room No. 207, Conference Room, Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110003 near Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir on 2nd April 2017, Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

We invite each of the state and district deaf associations to send two persons to participate in the Workshop. We need your inputs to make the Draft to Make Rules on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. 

We will have only 70 seats available for our workshop. We will provide Tea and Lunch only to you. You please pay for the travelling expenses and accommodation expenses by your association/yourself.

With warm regards,

A.S.Narayanan                                    Dr Onkar Sharma                                Ms Uma kapoor
President                                             General Secretary                               General Secretary
National Association of the Deaf          All India Federation of the Deaf          All India Federation of the Deaf Women

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 Invitation Letter from NAD for the Workshop Invitation Letter for Workshop on the Draft Rules for RPWD Act 2016 PDF / (0.28 MB)
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Mar 03 2017

Location: New Delhi    Activities:
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Your Suggestions/Inputs for Provisions of RPWD Act 2016

Dear Deaf People in India,

I am requesting you to read RPWD Act 2016 (attached below), and give us your suggestions/inputs/feedback on Provisions for the Deaf. 

You can give your information at this link: https://goo.gl/forms/JwVObUDzNyCCADoY2 or you can e-mail me at aqil.c@nadindia.org 

The deadline to give your feedback is on 27 March 2017.

Warm regards,

Aqil Chinoy
Vice-President

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 RPWD Act 2016 approved by President of India The original RPWD Act 2016, that was approved by President of India on 28th December 2016 @ New Delhi. PDF / (1.14 MB)
2 Notice from MSJE (DEPwD) Notice Inviting Objections and Suggestions on the Draft RPwD Rules, 2017 PDF / (0.07 MB)
3 Draft Rules of RPWD 2016 Draft Rules of RPWD 2016 that Central Government proposes to make. You also need to read and inform us whether you agree or disagree with certain clauses. DOCX / (0.08 MB)
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Jan 16 2017

Location: Outside DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi    Activities: Events
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Dr. Rishi Raj Bhati must be reinstated back into the DDA with full dignity

Dr. Rishi Raj Bhati was recently appointed as Director, Public Relations of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and joined the said organisation on 10th January, 2017 on deputation. He is a person with disability (polio). The very next day, Dr. Bhati was handed over a relieving letter stating that the nature of the job would cause him “inconvenience” and that it would also “not be in the organization's interest.” 

This is a case of blatant discrimination! It was widely reported in the media on 12th January 2017. The episode also stirred a lot of anger amongst disability groups.

Disabled Rights Group (DRG) with NAD and many other disabled groups about 150 people  held a protest today against DDA's discriminatory action at outside DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi on 16th January, 2017.

A delegation met DDA Vice Chairman, Uday Pratap Singh who said DDA will issue a fresh letter of apology to Dr. Bhati and make every attempt to reinstate him with dignity. The delegation led by Javed Abidi, Convener, DRG, also asked for data on the number of persons with disabilities working in DDA along with a disability wise break up. DDA officials have promised that they will gather this information at the earliest and send it to DRG.

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Dec 25 2016

Location: Rajya Sabha, Indian Parliament    Activities:
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Rights of Persons With Disabilities 2016 Bill

We are pleased to share with you all, the official Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, that was approved by the President of India on 27th December, 2016. You can refer to the following link to download the documents. 

We have also enclosed the older versions of RPWD, and later we will add PWD 1995 for your records.

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 RPWD Bill 2016 (passed by Rajya Sabha) This is the bill that was passed by Rajya Sabha. It does not contain the changes passed by Lok Sabha. PDF / (0.15 MB)
2 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 The Official RPWD Act, 2016 that was approved by the President of India on 27th December, 2016. PDF / (1.14 MB)
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Dec 16 2016

Location: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi    Activities: Dharna
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Grand Assembly: Pass the RPWD Bill in Lok Sabha on 16th Dec 2016 @ 1:30pm at Jantar Mantar, Delhi

Dear All,

Yesterday was a huge victory for all of us but as you know the fight is not over yet. The Bill still needs to pass through the Lok Sabha.

Unfortunately, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned till tomorrow. We now have only one day to go and this is cutting it too fine. We cannot be sitting silently and watching - waiting for the Bill to pass on its own. We all need to come together once again and put in our best efforts to make this happen.

NAD with DRG is now planning a GRAND ASSEMBLY at Jantar Mantar tomorrow - Friday, 16th December at 1:30 p.m. This is our last shot, else all our efforts will go to waste. For all of you based in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi/NCR, please join in LARGE numbers (2000 - 3000 deaf people), with your banners and placards. If the Bill gets passed, we will turn this Assembly into a Grand Celebration or else, God forbid, a protest is in order. We need hundreds of you at Jantar Mantar tomorrow, to make any kind of an impact.

For those of you based outside Delhi/NCR, please spread the word widely.

With regards,
NAD India

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Dec 16 2016

Location: Janpath, New Delhi     Activities: Meeting
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Thanks Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Honble Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment at his residence

The celebration continued all the way to Hon'ble Minister Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot's residence, New Delhi on 16th December 2016. 500 deaf and disabled people representing various groups reached the Minister's residence to thank him and celebrated with him and the officials of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

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Dec 13 2016

Location: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi    Activities: Dharna
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Mega Rally In Action with Demand for Passing RPWD in Winter Session of Parliament

This is the last week of the Parliament's winter session. The house was adjourned last week till Wednesday, 14th December 2016, tomorrow. That leaves us with only 3 working days of the House. Will the Parliamentarians rise above politics, spare a few minutes and pass the disability rights bill? 

60 seconds is all it will take to change the lives of 70 million people with disabilities. Today a rally of hundreds of people was held in Delhi to appeal to the Parliamentarians and urge them to pass the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill in this winter session. 

With only three days to go for the Parliament winter session to end, 450 deaf people and disabled people of this nation are slowly losing their patience. There have been multiple rallies and vigils across India in the last 2-3 days since the Parliament got adjourned. Today a rally was held in Delhi starting from Jantar Mantar which ended at Parliament Street, New Delhi on 13th December, 2016.

A delegation of the Disabled Rights Group then met with Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Member of Parliament & Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha and apprised him of the issue of the pending disability rights bill. Shri Azad was also joined by Shri Raj Babbar, Member of Parliament and both leaders not only showed great interest in the Bill but also extended their best support to ensure that the Bill gets passed in the ongoing winter session.

The delegation comprised of Javed Abidi (Honorary Director, NCPEDP); Madhu (Action for Ability Development & Inclusion); Pradeep Raj (Federation of Disabled Rights); Javed Ahmed Tak (Humanity Welfare Organization); Neera Chawla (Muskaan); A. S. Narayanan & Anuj Jain (National Association of the Deaf) and Mohit Singla.

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Dec 10 2016

Location: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi    Activities:
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Mega Rally: Pass the Rpwd Bill 2016 in the Winter Session of Rajya Sabha

Dear Members/Non-Members,

Greetings from National Association of the Deaf!

We would like to invite all of you to join the Mega Rally: Pass the RPWD Bill 2016 in the Winter Session of Rajya Sabha at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 13th December, 2016 at 2:00pm. We need 5000 deaf people to join the Mega Rally. Please spread it with your friends.

PASS THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BILL

JUST A FEW MINUTES TO GRANT US OUR RIGHTS -  DEMAND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES!

It’s been a six year long wait for 10% people of this great democracy. People with disabilities in the country have waited for a legislation that will bring them closer to their goal of equality and justice. And now so close to achieving it, a cruel twist of fate has blocked their dreams. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill which was tabled in the Rajya Sabha last week is yet to see the light of the day, as the Parliament was adjourned. Parliament is reconvening on 14th December.   We have three days to pass this Bill. It will take just a few minutes to change the lives of nearly 10 crore people. People with disabilities want only sixty seconds in the Rajya Sabha time to help change their destinies. No party opposes any aspect of his Bill.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill  will affect the lives of close to hundred million disabled people in India who struggle everyday to lead a life of dignity and equality and of equal opportunity. Their struggles against discrimination and deprivation had reached a crescendo which resulted in the Bill.

Some highlights of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill  are given below:

The Bill covers 21 categories of disabilities. People with Autism, Neurological impairment, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Hemophilia, learning disabilities and several other impairments will benefit from the passing of the Bill.  The earlier Act (Disability Act 1995) covered only seven categories of disabilities.

The Bill  provides rights to people with all disabilities which didn’t exist before like –

  • right to equality and non discrimination 
  • right to home and family
  • access to justice
  • protection from abuse, violence and exploitation
  • protection from cruelty and inhuman treatment
  • right to inherit and own property
  • reproductive rights 
  • accessibility of buildings, transportation, information, communication, technologies, media and electronic goods and has  timelines to make them accessible. 
  • Increase in reservation in higher educational institutions from 3% to 4% for persons with disabilities. With an improved definition of disability, a lot more people would be covered.
  • Increase in Government and public sector employment from 3% to 4% for persons with disabilities and covers more categories of people with disabilities like intellectual impairment, mental illness, autism, multiple disabilities, etc.
  • Increase from 3% to 4% reservation in all poverty alleviation programmes. With improvement in definition of disabilities, more people will benefit from programmes. Further, it says quantum of assistance to persons with disabilities under social security schemes and programmes shall be at least twenty-five per cent higher than similar schemes applicable to others. Recognising “disability cost‟ and making a provision for it would be a major gain.
  • Reservation in allotment of agricultural land and land for purpose of housing, business, recreation, etc. which will help people with disabilities to acquire assets
  • There are punishments and penalties for those who violate the provisions of the Bill.

Thanks & Regards,

Narayanan
Secretary
National Association of The Deaf

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Dec 10 2016

Location: USI, New Delhi    Activities: Meeting
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Meeting of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Mr. Anuj Jain (Joint Secretary, NAD), Mr. G. Surya Pratap (Co-Worker, NAD), Ms. Rupmani Chhetri (Deaf Women Committee, NAD) and Mr. Sachin Singh (Member, NAD) participated  in the Meeting of the National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New Delhi on 10th December, 2016 discussing various issues such as Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, Inclusion of disability in Sustainable Development Goals.

PASS THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BILL

JUST A FEW MINUTES TO GRANT US OUR RIGHTS -  DEMAND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES !

Its been a six year long wait for 10% people of this great democracy. People with disabilities in the country have waited for a legislation that will bring them closer to their goal of equality and justice. And now so close to achieving it, a cruel twist of fate has blocked their dreams. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill which was tabled in the Rajya Sabha last week is yet to see the light of the day, as the Parliament was adjourned. Parliament is reconvening on 14th December.   We have three days to pass this Bill. It will take just a few minutes to change the lives of nearly 10 crore people. People with disabilities want only sixty seconds in the Rajya Sabha time to help change their destinies. No party opposes any aspect of his Bill.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill will affect the lives of close to hundred million disabled people in India who struggle everyday to lead a life of dignity and equality and of equal opportunity. Their struggles against discrimination and deprivation had reached a crescendo which resulted in the Bill.

Some highlights of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill  are given below:

The Bill covers 21 categories of disabilities. People with Autism, Neurological impairment, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Hemophilia, learning disabilities and several other impairments will benefit from the passing of the Bill.  The earlier Act (Disability Act 1995) covered only seven categories of disabilities.

The Bill  provides rights to people with all disabilities which didn’t exist before like –

-       right to equality and non discrimination 

-       right to home and family

-       access to justice

-       protection from abuse, violence and exploitation

-       protection from cruelty and inhuman treatment

-       right to inherit and own property

-       reproductive rights 

-       accessibility of buildings, transportation, information, communication, technologies, media and electronic goods and has  timelines to make them accessible. 

-       Increase in reservation in higher educational institutions from 3% to 4% for persons with disabilities. With an improved definition of disability, a lot more people would be covered.

-       Increase in Government and public sector employment from 3% to 4% for persons with disabilities and covers more categories of people with disabilities like intellectual impairment, mental illness, autism, multiple disabilities, etc.

-       Increase from 3% to 4% reservation in all poverty alleviation programmes. With improvement in definition of disabilities, more people will benefit from programmes. Further, it says quantum of assistance to persons with disabilities under social security schemes and programmes shall be at least twenty-five per cent higher than similar schemes applicable to others. Recognising “disability cost‟ and making a provision for it would be a major gain.

-       Reservation in allotment of agricultural land and land for purpose of housing, business, recreation, etc. which will help people with disabilities to acquire assets

-       There are punishments and penalties for those who violate the provisions of the Bill.

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Dec 05 2016

Location: Delhi    Activities: Dharna
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Candlelight vigil seeking early passage of Bill for RPWD

UPDATE ON RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BILL - The Bill was finally moved today but unfortunately was not passed and the House was adjourned. This, in spite of the repeated appeals the Hon'ble Chairperson himself made to all Parliamentarians to pass the non-controversial Bill.

Three years and counting. How much longer will persons with disabilities have to wait for the passage of the Bill? Time will soon run out and the winter session will be over. Disabled Rights Group came together at Jantar Mantar today in solidarity and to remind the Parliamentarians to rise above politics and pass the Bill. #PassRPWDBill

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Dec 01 2016

Location: New Delhi    Activities: Announcements
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RPWD will be taken up during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament

Breaking News: The much awaited Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill will be taken up by the Government during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. In all probability, it will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha TOMORROW - 2nd December - the eve of the World Disability Day.

There was a lot of confusion all day today and rumours were afloat. It happened because PIB issued a press release yesterday evening and then withdrew it earlier today morning! Some government officials even went to the extent of denying that Cabinet had approved the "proposal" in their meeting yesterday!

Why was the PIB Press Release withdrawn? Government didn't want any pre publicity. They wanted a Big Bang announcement after the Bill gets passed.”

Government wants the Bill to be passed by the Parliament at the earliest. Surely within the ongoing Winter Session, and as far as possible, on or around the World Disability Day. Efforts are on to build a political consensus. Parliamentary Affairs Minister has been instructed.

Javed Abidi, 1.12.2016
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP)

(Extracted from Facebook)

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 Rajya Sabh - Revised List of Business List of Papers that will be discussed in the Winter Session of the Parliament. PDF / (0.04 MB)
2 Text of PIB Press Release The information taken from PIB on 30th November 2016, 19:38 IST PDF / (0.12 MB)
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Mar 06 2016

Location: Abohar, Punjab     Activities: Workshop
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District Deaf Workshop on UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

We organized the second kind of the District Deaf Workshop on UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 6th March 2016 at Abohar, Punjab between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. There were about 85 deaf delegates from all over Abohar, Punjab attended the workshop for one day.

Mr. Vishal Arora, Treasurer of National Association of the Deaf presented the different PowerPoint Presentations about the Human Rights on Video, the human rights/laws, & UNCRPD. We created an awareness on UNCRPD to help deaf people understand and know the laws and rights of the deaf. It helps to empower them to do themselves by their own decision in their lives in India. 

A milestone for the advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities is now steadily gaining worldwide acceptance and support. This is known as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) refers to a document focusing on international human rights of people with disabilities. It was created by the United Nations and is being monitored by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The Convention was opened for signature on March 30, 2007. It then came into force on May 3, 2008, after the Convention’s ratification by the 20th party. There are a total of 71 countries that have ratified the convention. Some of the countries that have ratified the Convention include Australia, Belgium, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The UN.org website has a section where interested groups and individuals can read the latest developments regarding the convention. 

The Convention intends to ensure equal rights to people with disabilities. This is done by elaborating in detail the rights of persons with disabilities and setting out a code of implementation. 

Guiding Principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:-

Eight principles form the base for the Convention and the articles included in it. Below are the guiding principles:

  • Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
  • Non-discrimination
  • Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
  • Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
  • Equality of opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Equality between men and women
  • Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities 

India ratified UNCRPD on the 1st of October, 2007. India was the 7th country in the world and the first significant country to do so. The ratification of UNCRPD was a direct result of the advocacy by NCPEDP and Disabled Rights Group (DRG).

UNCRPD is an international instrument that provides persons with disabilities the same human rights that everyone else enjoys. It marks a radical shift in defining and understanding disability - it moves from a medical/social perspective to a human-rights based approach.

However, UNCRPD is just a paper if it is not implemented. Disabled people have to play an active role in the implementation and monitoring of UNCRPD.

NCPEDP has therefore launched an advocacy initiative for speedy implementation of UNCRPD in India.

650 million people, roughly 10 per cent of the world's population, live with a disability, according to the United Nations. In India alone, there are roughly 100 million people with disabilities, which is almost 1/6th of population of disabled people in the world.

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Mar 05 2016

Location: Seminar Hall, USI, New Delhi     Activities: Meeting
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Meeting of the National Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of National Association of the Deaf, and Mr. Sachin Singh, Member of NAD participated in the meeting on 5th  – 6th March 2016 at Seminar Hall, USI, New Delhi.

NCPEDP with support from Mphasis organised a training on accessibility standards and audits for National Disability Network leaders from across the country. Here are some pictures. This training is being conducted by DEOC - Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre.

National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities India (NCRPD) meeting held in Delhi. Issues such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, the amendment to the National Building Code, future course of the National Disability Network, DPI India and the upcoming DPI World Assembly, among others were discussed. 

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Mar 05 2016

Location: Muktsar, Punjab    Activities: Workshop
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District Deaf Workshop on UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

We organized the second kind of the District Deaf Workshop on UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 5th March 2016 at Muktsar, Punjab between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. There were about 85 deaf delegates from all over Muktsar, Punjab attended the workshop for one day.

Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of National Association of the Deaf presented the different PowerPoint Presentations about the Human Rights on Video, the human rights/laws, & UNCRPD. We created an awareness on UNCRPD to help deaf people understand and know the laws and rights of the deaf. It helps to empower them to do themselves by their own decision in their lives in India. 

A milestone for the advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities is now steadily gaining worldwide acceptance and support. This is known as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) refers to a document focusing on international human rights of people with disabilities. It was created by the United Nations and is being monitored by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The Convention was opened for signature on March 30, 2007. It then came into force on May 3, 2008, after the Convention’s ratification by the 20th party. There are a total of 71 countries that have ratified the convention. Some of the countries that have ratified the Convention include Australia, Belgium, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The UN.org website has a section where interested groups and individuals can read the latest developments regarding the convention. 

The Convention intends to ensure equal rights to people with disabilities. This is done by elaborating in detail the rights of persons with disabilities and setting out a code of implementation.

Guiding Principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:-

Eight principles form the base for the Convention and the articles included in it. Below are the guiding principles:

  • Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
  • Non-discrimination
  • Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
  • Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
  • Equality of opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Equality between men and women
  • Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

India ratified UNCRPD on the 1st of October, 2007. India was the 7th country in the world and the first significant country to do so. The ratification of UNCRPD was a direct result of the advocacy by NCPEDP and Disabled Rights Group (DRG).

UNCRPD is an international instrument that provides persons with disabilities the same human rights that everyone else enjoys. It marks a radical shift in defining and understanding disability - it moves from a medical/social perspective to a human-rights based approach.

However, UNCRPD is just a paper if it is not implemented. Disabled people have to play an active role in the implementation and monitoring of UNCRPD.

NCPEDP has therefore launched an advocacy initiative for speedy implementation of UNCRPD in India.

650 million people, roughly 10 per cent of the world's population, live with a disability, according to the United Nations. In India alone, there are roughly 100 million people with disabilities, which is almost 1/6th of population of disabled people in the world.

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Dec 19 2015

Location: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi    Activities: Dharna
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The Cabinet expedite the Passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014

CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 19th December 2015 organised by Disabled Rights Group & National Associaiton of the Deaf to request to pass the RPWD Bill in this Winter Session Parliament.

350 deaf people and cross-disability groups and individuals from across Delhi participated in a candle light vigil as an appeal to Parliamentarians to pass the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 that is currently stuck in the Cabinet despite the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment sending it to the Cabinet on 26th November 2015.

They requested to appeal to the Govt/Cabinet to expedite the passage of the RPWD Bill. After this week, we have just one more week left before the Winter Session of the Parliament comes to an end. At this vigil, they would earnestly appeal to the Govt to please ensure that the Cabinet passes the Bill urgently and formally sends it back to the Rajya Sabha. They would also appeal to all the political parties to treat this matter as a completely non-political issue and to ensure that the Bill is passed within the current Winter Session.

There were Mr. Javed Abidi (Covenor, Disabled Rights Group), Ms. Shamyala (Director, AADI), and Mr. Anuj Jain (Joint Secretary, NAD) spoke related to the RPWD Bill as well as many other leaders of disabled organisations participated in the Candle Light Vigil.

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