The law of the book and the law in action
The Right of Persons with Disability Act (RPwD Act, 2016) was enacted in 2016 to give effect to
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It repealed
the earlier legislation, Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) Act, 1995. India’s disability law stands as a beacon of progress, embracing a
broad and inclusive perspective on disability. It boldly places responsibilities on both public and
private sectors, reflecting a commitment to equality. Yet, nearly eight years since its enactment, the law’s promise remains largely unfulfilled, hindered by slow and uneven implementation.
