(a) the types of disabilities included in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 (PWD Act);
(b) whether the people suffering from Albino dementia and related problems are included under the PWD Act, 1995;
(c) if not, whether the Government has any plan to amend the PWD Act, 1995 so that the people
who are suffering from said problems can be included in the same; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action being taken thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (D. NAPOLEON)
(a) As per Section 2
(i) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of
Rights and Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995, “Disability†means-
(i) Blindness;
(ii) Low Vision;
(iii) Leprosy-cured;
(iv) Hearing impairment;
(v) Loco motor disability;
(vi) Mental retardation;
(vii) Mental illness;
(b) No Sir
(c) & (d) After wide consultation draft amendments to “The Persons with Disabilities (Equal
opportunities, Protection of rights and full participation) Act, 1995†were formulated. The
proposed amendments were circulated to all State Governments and concerned Central Ministries
and were also posted on the website of the Ministry seeking suggestions. Comments have been
received from several State Governments, Central Ministries, Non-Government Organizations and
individuals.
A Committee consisting of representatives of various stakeholders including State
Governments and Central Ministries, experts in various disabilities and representatives of
Civil Society Organizations etc., has been set up on 30.04.2010 to study the suggestions
and comments received on the proposed amendments and to prepare a new draft Legislation.
The Committee is presently deliberating on various issues relating to the terms of reference.