(a) whether the number of differently abled persons have increased considerably during the last decade;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor, State and age-wise;
(c) whether the Government has a comprehensive plan on the concept of ‘From Exclusion to Empowerment:The Role of Information and Communication Technologies for Persons with Disabilities’; and
(d) if so, the details and present status thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)
(a) & (b) Number of persons with disabilities constituted 2.13 % of total population numbering 2.19 crore as per Census 2001 and has increased to 2.21 % of total population amounting to 2.68 crore as per Census 2011. The increase is thus very marginal i.e. 0.08%.
(c) & (d) The Government recognizes the role of information and communication technology for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2014 introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 7.02.2014 envisages creation of accessible environment for the physical environment, transportation, information and communication including appropriate technology and system and services for the persons with disabilities. The Government also provides financial support to the States and the organisations run by Central/State Government for developing accessible website to facilitate the persons with disabilities to have access to information on an equitable platform.
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