Inclusive Growth and Disability Rights:
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlighted the WHO’s call for inclusive and equitable health financing for persons with disabilities. Inclusive growth and disability rights aim to ensure persons with disabilities (PwDs) participate fully in society through accessible infrastructure, livelihoods, education and legal safeguards, eliminating structural barriers to equality and dignity.
Current Status in India:
- Population size: India has 2.68 crore PwDs (2011 Census) constituting 2.21% of the population, requiring targeted rights-based frameworks for equal participation.
- Legal identity systems: The UDID programme now enables nationwide disability certification, improving transparency and access to benefits.
- Expanding disability categories: The RPwD Act 2016 recognises 21 disabilities, expanding coverage beyond the earlier seven categories for more inclusive service delivery.
