Gujarat government to fully implement RPWD Act 2016, promises to become 100% disabled-friendly

It has been more than two years since the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2016 has been passed in India. However, many states in India are yet to implement the Act. Gujarat promises to change this. The state says it is geared up to completely implement the RPWD Act.

An official from the Social Justice and Empowerment Department has said that authorities have started to look into different ways in which Gujarat can be made accessible and disabled-friendly. This is already in its final stages of preparation.

Additional reservation in higher education, government jobs, and allocation in various developmental schemes for people with disabilities are some of the main areas that are looked into by authorities.

Wheelchair ramps will be made compulsory in all private and government buildings across Gujarat.

Till now, reservations for disabled people in government jobs were 3% to 4%. This will be raised. A 5% quota will be given to disabled people under various developmental schemes in the state.

Officials also said that a State Advisory Board on Disability will be set up to look into the matters of disabled people from a district level.