India, disability inclusion and the power of ‘by’

Source: The Hindu

For Prelims: Disability, GDP, International Labour Organization, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, unique ID for persons with disabilities, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, climate calamities, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Women’s Development Corporation in Maharashtra, Sparking Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project, Disability Inclusion Facilitators, Sustainable Development Goals

For Mains: General Studies II: The economic consequences of excluding people with
disabilities from the world of work

Highlights of the Article

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

Sparking Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project

Context

Disability as an identity and entity exists at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities social, economic and gender with each facet requiring careful consideration when conceptualising action for equity. Globally, 1.3 billion people (which is equivalent to nearly the entire population of India) live with some form of disability. Of them, 80% live in developing countries; further, 70% of them live in rural areas. Current systems are designed for persons without disabilities and end up being exclusionary to people with disabilities, resulting in them experiencing higher instances of poverty, lack of access to education and opportunities, informality and other forms of social and economic discrimination. According to the English dictionary, “For” is often used when a person is receiving something and “By” is to “identify the agent acting”. This difference is crucial when it comes to disability inclusion, as the approach is completely different if it is “by” persons with disabilities being a part of the process and not “for” them, without them in the process.

UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS:

1. Compelling Reasons for Disability Inclusion

Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic strategy.
A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that integrating people with disabilities into the economy could boost global GDP by 3-7%. This is because people with disabilities have the same skills and abilities as their non-disabled peers, and they can make significant contributions to the workforce.
However, the reality is that many people with disabilities are excluded from the labour market. This is due to several factors, including discrimination, lack of accessibility, and limited opportunities. This exclusion is not only unfair, but it also deprives society of the talents and skills of millions of people.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes the right of people with disabilities to work and to be free from discrimination in the workplace. The CRPD also calls on governments to take steps to create an inclusive labour market.
Inclusion of people with disabilities is not just about doing the right thing; it is also about making good economic sense. By integrating people with disabilities into the workforce, we can boost our economy and create a more just and equitable society.

Benefits of including people with disabilities in the workforce

People with disabilities often have unique skills and perspectives that can lead to increased productivity in the workplace.
Employers can save money by investing in accommodations and training for people with disabilities.
A diverse and inclusive workplace can lead to improved employee morale and engagement.

2. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international treaty that aims to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006, and entered into force on May 3, 2008. As of July 2023, 185 countries have ratified or acceded to the CRPD.

The CRPD is the first comprehensive human rights treaty to address all aspects of disability. It recognizes that persons with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else, and it prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities based on their disability.

The CRPD is based on the following principles:

Persons with disabilities have the same rights and freedoms as everyone else, and they should be treated with dignity and respect.
No one should be discriminated against based on their disability.
Persons with disabilities should have the opportunity to participate fully and effectively in all aspects of society.
Persons with disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else to make choices about their lives and to pursue their goals.
Persons with disabilities should have access to all aspects of society, including physical environments, transportation, information and communication, and other services.
Persons with disabilities should be included in all aspects of society, and they should be able to participate in all aspects of social life.

Key provisions of the CRPD

Article 8: Right to live independently and be included in the community
Article 9: Accessibility
Article 24: Right to education
Article 27: Right to work
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport

Impact of the CRPD

The CRPD has helped to raise awareness of disability issues around the world. This has led to a greater understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, and it has helped to build a more inclusive society.
The CRPD has led to changes in laws and policies that have improved the lives of persons with disabilities. For example, many countries have passed laws that prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, and they have implemented policies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to access education, employment, and other services.
The CRPD has empowered persons with disabilities to speak out for their rights and to demand change. Persons with disabilities are now more active in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

3. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) is a landmark legislation in India that aims to ensure the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. The Act is based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and it recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities to:

Persons with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, respect, and equality.
Persons with disabilities have the right to equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of life.
Persons with disabilities have the right to live in the community and to receive support services in the community.
Persons with disabilities have the right to legal capacity, which means that they have the right to make their own decisions about their lives.
Persons with disabilities have the right to access all aspects of society, including physical environments, transportation, information and communication, and other services.
Persons with disabilities have the right to education, including inclusive education.
Persons with disabilities have the right to work, including the right to reasonable accommodation.
Persons with disabilities have the right to participate in political and public life.
Persons with disabilities have the right to social protection, including access to healthcare, social security, and other social services.

Key features of the RPWD Act

The RPWD Act covers a wide range of disabilities, including Physical, sensory, intellectual and mental disabilities.
The RPWD Act is based on the principles of the CRPD, which means that it recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities as fundamental human rights.
The RPWD Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities based on their disability.
The RPWD Act mandates accessibility for persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
The RPWD Act promotes the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Impact of the RPWD Act

The RPWD Act has helped to raise awareness of disability issues in India.
The RPWD Act has led to improvements in access to education and employment for persons with disabilities.
The RPWD Act has led to an increase in the representation of persons with disabilities in government.
The RPWD Act has empowered persons with disabilities to speak out for their rights and to demand change.

4. Challenges in rural areas

In India, both Central and State governments have instituted various schemes and the Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) card under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016).
However, effective implementation requires a focus on awareness, particularly in rural areas where individuals with disabilities encounter more significant challenges compared to their urban counterparts.
Awareness initiatives should commence with the capacity-building of community leaders who can champion the cause at the grassroots level.
Persons with disabilities in rural areas often confront heightened obstacles, including limited access to education and employment opportunities.
Some developmental schemes may inadvertently exclude them, perpetuating a perception of charity rather than recognizing them as individuals capable of active participation in decision-making processes.
Rural regions, characterized by high dependence on agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to climate-related challenges such as rising sea levels, reduced access to clean water and food, hurricanes, heat waves, and floods.
Individuals with disabilities in rural areas find themselves on the frontlines of these challenges, necessitating a comprehensive approach to disability inclusion that addresses both socio-economic and climate-related vulnerabilities.

5. The SPARK project

The Sparking Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project, a collaborative effort between the ILO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Women's Development Corporation in Maharashtra, has made significant strides in promoting disability inclusion and empowering persons with disabilities in rural areas.
By identifying individuals with disabilities from villages and training them as Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs), the SPARK project has placed persons with disabilities at the forefront of social and economic change.
These DIFs actively engage with the community, persons with disabilities, caregivers, women from self-help groups, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about disability inclusion and address the barriers that hinder it.
The project's success lies in its ability to foster an attitudinal shift towards persons with disabilities, transforming societal perceptions and influencing administrative practices.
This shift is crucial for achieving social justice and ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process, particularly in rural areas where resilience and inclusive opportunities are paramount.
The SPARK project's impact extends beyond attitudinal changes; it has also led to concrete improvements in the lives of women with disabilities.
By mainstreaming them into existing self-help groups, the project has empowered these women to access funds, start enterprises, and actively participate in social and economic development.
The project's success highlights the importance of a bi-directional approach to addressing poverty, nutrition, and hunger.
By fostering the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the SPARK project has not only improved their lives but has also contributed to the overall development and resilience of rural communities.
As we strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is evident that a fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action is essential, particularly considering the historic marginalization of persons with disabilities and the setbacks in progress towards these goals.

6. Conclusion

The SPARK project serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive development. It is time to amplify the voices and prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities, placing them at the heart of the global development agenda. To build productive pathways out of poverty, it is essential to adopt a bottom-up approach to disability inclusion. This involves recognizing persons with disabilities as active contributors to society and the economy. Capacity-building efforts should prioritize community leaders who can advocate for the rights and benefits available to individuals with disabilities. The private sector plays a pivotal role in promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. Beyond a robust legal framework, engaging with the private sector and instilling confidence in companies to hire and retain workers with disabilities is crucial. Collaboration with employers' federations, including those representing small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as trade unions, has demonstrated significant potential in advancing the employment prospects of persons with disabilities.

Mains Pratice Questions

1. Elaborate on the key provisions and impact of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), emphasizing its role in promoting equality and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities. (250 Words)

2. Critically analyze the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPWD Act) in India, assessing its effectiveness in ensuring the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. (250 Words)

3. Examine the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in rural areas, particularly in accessing education, employment, and social protection measures. (250 Words)

4. Discuss the significance of the SPARK project in promoting disability inclusion and empowering persons with disabilities in rural areas, highlighting its approach of utilizing Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs). (250 Words)

Share to Social

UPSC Editorial