Now, the real task starts—to ensure proper implementation of the recommendations
The wait for the passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) bill has been long and excruciating. Though India ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, it has fulfilled its obligation only now. Though the mood in the disability sector is one of celebration, some feel that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
This new legislation defines 21 categories of disabilities where the old one only defined seven. This increases the responsibility of agencies working in the disability sector. Now, the real task starts—to bring together issues that affect lives of very diverse people, and work towards the common goal of overseeing uniform implementation of this law.