(a) whether the proposed amendment Bill in regard to the Persons with Disabilities
(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1955 has
been pending for the past several years;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to expedite the matter?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI P. BALRAM NAIK)
(a) to (c) A Committee was set up on 30.04.2010 consisting of experts in disability
sector, representatives for various stakeholders, Central Ministries, State Governments,
Non-Governmental Organisations etc. to prepare a draft new legislation in line with the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to replace
the existing Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995. The Committee submitted its report suggesting a
draft legislation titled `the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011` on 30.06.2011.
Subsequently, the Ministry had initiated consultations with concerned Central Ministries and
Departments on the draft Bill. Based on the comments received, a fresh draft Rights to the
Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2012 (Draft RPwD Bill, 2012) has been prepared and circulated
to all States/UTs seeking their comments/views.