India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for getting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• India provides a range of legal protections and welfare benefits for persons with disabilities (PwDs) through various laws and policy measures. A major framework in this regard is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, along with several government welfare schemes that aim to promote equality, accessibility, and social inclusion.
• Reservation – Higher education (not less than 5%), government jobs (not less than 4 %), reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5% allotment), etc. have been provided.
• This is in addition to the existing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It reserves specific seats in the local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) for persons with disabilities.
• Ex. – Chhattisgarh made the presence of PwDs mandatory in all panchayats across the state by amending the State Panchayati Raj Act, 1993.
• Inclusive Education: Government-funded/recognised educational institutions must provide inclusive education to children with disabilities.
• Free education: Every child with a benchmark disability between the ages of 6 and 18 has the right to free education.

Statement 3 is correct

• The RPwD Act, 2016 mandates that public buildings, including government offices, hospitals, and educational institutions, be made accessible by providing ramps, lifts, and other necessary modifications.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 | Difficulty Level: Easy