Important for UPSC, State PCS
Prelims: International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD)
Mains: General Studies Paper 2 – Social Empowerment .
Context-
Every December 3rd, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a day dedicated to recognizing the abilities, achievements, and rights of persons with disabilities.
About International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD):
- IDPD, observed annually on December 3, celebrates the resilience, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities (PwDs) worldwide.
- This day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to fostering inclusivity, advocating for the rights of PwDs, and creating equitable opportunities for all.
- This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
- The IDPD was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
- It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
- Building on many decades of UN work in the field of disability, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006, has further advanced the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development frameworks.
Initiatives by the Indian Government:
- India has made significant strides in promoting the rights and inclusion of Divyangjan through various policies and campaigns. A few of these initiatives are listed below:
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Accessible India Campaign
- Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
- District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC)
- Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme.
- Schemes For Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA): It is a comprehensive “Central Sector Scheme” that encompasses 10 sub-schemes.
Importance of International Disability Awareness Day
The World Day of the Handicapped 2024, also known as the International Disability Awareness Day, emphasizes the importance of:
- Creating Awareness: Educating the public about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
- Promoting Accessibility: Ensuring physical, digital, and social accessibility for all.
- Encouraging Participation: Empowering disabled individuals to actively contribute to society.
- Promoting Education: Implement inclusive teaching practices and provide accessible learning materials.
- Enhancing Accessibility: Ensure universal access to public infrastructure and ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
| Persons with Disabilities in India (PwD) | |||
| Type of Disability | Persons (in Millions) | Males (in Millions) | Females (in Millions) |
| Total | 26.8 | 15.0 | 11.8 |
| In Seeing | 5.0 | 2.6 | 2.4 |
| In Hearing | 5.1 | 2.7 | 2.4 |
| In Speech | 2.0 | 1.1 | 0.9 |
| In Movement | 5.4 | 3.4 | 2.1 |
| Mental Retardation | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Mental Illness | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Any Other | 4.9 | 2.7 | 2.2 |
| Multiple Disability | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
CBL Practice Questions for Prelims
The observance of the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) aims to promote which of the following?
a) Global awareness on the rights of people with disabilities
b) Medical advancements for disabilities
c) Creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Global awareness on the rights of people with disabilities
CBL Mains Practice Question –
Analyze the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing these basic rights and services in India. What steps can the government take to ensure greater accessibility and inclusivity?
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