SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

Question No - 3535
:
Answered Date : 16.08.2010
Subject : CLASS OF DISABILITIES INCLUDED UNDER DISABILITIES ACT, 1995

 

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:-


(a) the types of disabilities included in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 (PWD Act); 

(b) whether the people suffering from Albino dementia and related problems are included under the PWD Act, 1995; 

(c) if not, whether the Government has any plan to amend the PWD Act, 1995 so that the people who are suffering from said problems can be included in the same; and 

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action being taken thereon?
ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (D. NAPOLEON) 

(a) As per Section 2 
(i) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995, “Disability” means- 

(i) Blindness; 

(ii) Low Vision; 

(iii) Leprosy-cured; 

(iv) Hearing impairment; 

(v) Loco motor disability; 

(vi) Mental retardation; 

(vii) Mental illness; 

(b) No Sir 

(c) & (d) After wide consultation draft amendments to “The Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of rights and full participation) Act, 1995” were formulated. The proposed amendments were circulated to all State Governments and concerned Central Ministries and were also posted on the website of the Ministry seeking suggestions. Comments have been received from several State Governments, Central Ministries, Non-Government Organizations and individuals. 

A Committee consisting of representatives of various stakeholders including State Governments and Central Ministries, experts in various disabilities and representatives of Civil Society Organizations etc., has been set up on 30.04.2010 to study the suggestions and comments received on the proposed amendments and to prepare a new draft Legislation. The Committee is presently deliberating on various issues relating to the terms of reference.