Q. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

Model Answer: 

Sensitisation for Effective Implementation of Disability Rights Act

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 marks a significant step towards empowering individuals with disabilities in India. However, its effectiveness is hampered by insufficient sensitization of government functionaries and citizens.

Key provisions of the Act include:
• Expansion of disability types from 7 to 21
• Reservation in education and employment
• Accessibility mandates for public spaces
• Penalties for discrimination

Despite these progressive measures, implementation faces several challenges:

1. Lack of awareness among government officials:
Many functionaries remain uninformed about the Act’s provisions, leading to poor execution. For instance, accessibility norms in public buildings are often overlooked.

2. Limited public understanding:
Societal attitudes towards disability continue to be shaped by misconceptions and stereotypes, hindering inclusion. This is evident in employment discrimination and social exclusion.

3. Insufficient infrastructure:
Many public spaces and services remain inaccessible, undermining the Act’s objectives. Examples include inaccessible public transport and lack of assistive technologies in educational institutions.

Sensitization is crucial for effective implementation:
• It fosters empathy and understanding among officials and citizens
• Promotes proactive compliance with the Act’s provisions
• Encourages societal integration of persons with disabilities

Current sensitization efforts, while well-intentioned, are limited in scope and reach. To bridge this gap:

• Implement comprehensive training programs for government functionaries
• Launch widespread public awareness campaigns (e.g., media, community events)
• Introduce disability studies in school and college curricula
• Collaborate with NGOs and disability rights organizations for grassroots sensitization

Conclusion: Intensive sensitization efforts are essential to transform the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act from a mere legal document into a catalyst for genuine societal change.