5.3.6. Disabled Persons

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

In order to give focused attention to Policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities, a separate Department of Disability Affairs was carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Department was renamed as Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). The Department acts as a Nodal Agency for matters pertaining to disability and Persons with Disabilities.

The Department has the vision to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.

The Department deals with the following Legislations governing different aspects of disability and welfare & empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities:

♤ The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992,

♤ The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995; and

♤ The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act , 1999