Delhi govt notifies law for rights to people with disabilities

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has notified the amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, a move that will allow differently-abled people here to avail concessions in education, health services and loan facilities.

The notification was delayed since Delhi does not fall in the category of a "state" as mentioned in the rules. The government had to obtain a clearance from the Lieutenant Governor to approach the Home Ministry in this regard, a Delhi government

statement said.

The notification will enable differently-abled people to avail concessions in education, health services, loan facilities, and get jobs and other benefits under various government schemes. The act came into force on December 27 through an official entry in the gazette of Delhi. The Social Welfare Department of the state termed the notification a "New Year gift" and attributed the delay in its implementation to Delhi not being a full state.

The Section 101 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, confers power upon a state government to make such rules. However, the term, "state government" has not been defined in the RPwD Act, 2016, for Delhi, it said.

Therefore for clearance, it was sent to the Lieutenant Governor. The statement said as the National Capital Territory of Delhi is considered a Union Territory, a specific delegation of powers is required. The government is working to form a dedicated department for Persons with Disabilities. Public consultation and suggestions are invited from the stakeholders in this regard, it said.