Dignity for Indians with Disabilities by passing the RPWD Bill
An epoch making day. From the furore over demonetisation to passing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, it is indeed a 'Mars Orbiter' moment!!!
 
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed by voice vote, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill (RPWD), 2014 which makes accessibility a mandatory requirement. The Bill replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
 
Rights, which are taken for granted in most countries and provided by the constitution and law of the land is finally and officially bequeathed by the Parliament on 14 December 2016.
 
Though India ratified the United Nations convention on the rights of people with disabilities (UNCRPD) way back in 2007, the official seal in the form of the Bill happened only on Wednesday. 
 
Like any other law, it will be shaped, chiselled and fine-tuned with the collective thinking of both the community of the disabled as well as the ministry and society to truly create a dignified and empowered nation. 
 
Let's celebrate to new 'Mangalyaan' beginnings!
 
(Dr Ketna L Mehta is an educationist, editor, author and Founder Trustee of Nina Foundation that serves the rehabilitation of economically and socially disadvantaged friends with spinal injuries. She is also Editor and Associate Dean Research, WeSchool.  Email-ninafoundation@gmail.com;  www.ninafoundation.org)
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