Rajya Sabha passes diability bill

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Rights of Persons with Disability Bill that seeks to increase reservation for persons with disability in government jobs from the existing 3% to 4% and in higher educational institutions from 3% to 5%. 

The bill also provides for imprisonment of six months to two years along with a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh for discrimination against differently abled persons.The House of Elders saw a rare unanimity in passing the bill. The House, which has been disrupted all through the winter session since November 16, took up the bill in the morning session despite the fact that it was listed for the afternoon sitting.

Social Justice Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot moved the bill. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who was in the chair, expressed his



satisfaction over the gesture shown in passing the bill. 

The bill defines disability on the basis of an evolving and dynamic concept. It has listed 21 types of disabilities in place of existing seven. The Centre has been given power to add more types of disabilities.The bill is in consonance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The types of disabilities include mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions and others.

Replying to the query of members, the minister said a medical board will define “disability”. The bill has provisions to strengthen the office of the chief commissioner and state commissioners for persons with disabilities which will act as regulatory bodies.