In a significant move, the Election Commission (EC) of India has recently issued guidelines to political outfits, urging them to refrain from using offensive and derogatory language related to persons with disabilities (PwD). This step aims to promote disability and gender-sensitive language in public spaces, such as speeches, campaigns, writings, and articles.
Key Guidelines Issued by The Election Commission
The EC has prohibited the usage of derogatory language when referring to PwDs. Politicians and their representatives are encouraged to avoid offensive terminologies, such as “dumb,” “retarded,” “blind,” “deaf,” “lame,” and so forth. The EC urges all parties to conduct an internal review of their campaign materials, including speeches, social media posts, advertisements, and press releases, to rectify instances of offensive language. In addition, political outfits are recommended to declare their commitment to using disability and gender-sensitive language on their websites. The guidelines also encourage the adoption of rights-based terminologies, as outlined by the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Legal ramifications may follow any violation of these guidelines under the provisions of Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Persons with Disabilities in India: A Statistical Overview
According to the 76th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), 2.21% of the Indian population identifies as having a disability. Among this demographic division, incidents of disabilities are most frequent in the age group of 10-19 years, suggesting the need for early intervention and support.
Constitutional and Legislative Framework for PwD in India
The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice, and dignity for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Article 41 of the Constitution highlights the State’s responsibility to provide effective provisions for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance in situations of unemployment, old age sickness, and disablement. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) is currently the most comprehensive legislation for PwDs in India, offering a 4% job reservation in Government sectors and a 5% reservation for students with disabilities in government or aided higher educational institutions.
Government Initiatives
Several initiatives, such as the Accessible India Campaign, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, and National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities, have been launched to improve the lives of PwDs in India.
Challenges Faced by PwDs in India
Despite these efforts, PwDs face several challenges in India, including limited access to public spaces, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited educational opportunities, employment barriers, and prevailing social stigma and discrimination.
Recommendations
Future policies should focus on reimagining assistive technology, revolutionising education, transforming the employment landscape, and promoting inclusivity. Various stakeholders, including the government, tech companies, and educational institutions, should partner to create a robust ecosystem of accessible and affordable assistive technology. Furthermore, disability sensitivity training ought to be integrated into teacher programs and PwD-friendly infrastructure should be made mandatory in corporations to foster an inclusive society.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Question
In the 2011 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a question on the legal benefits available to PwDs in India was asked. It included benefits like free schooling until the age of 18 years in government schools, preferential land allotment for setting up businesses, and mandatory ramps in public buildings.