Content:

1. Citizens with disabilities, making their rights real
2. A Wake-Up Call
3. Breaking Barriers with the Help of Technology

Citizens With Disabilities, Making Their Rights Real

Introduction :

• Census 2011: Disability constitutes 2.21% of the total population, considered underestimated.
• WHO 2019 Survey: Severe disability prevalence among Indian adults is estimated at 16%, highlighting discrepancies in data collection and representation.

Relevance : GS 2(Social justice )

Practice Question :Analyse the provisions of the RPWD Act, 2016 in light of India’s commitment to UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Discuss implementation challenges and measures.(250 Words)

Legislative Framework

• UNCRPD Ratification: India ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007.
• RPWD Act 2016: Replaced the 1995 Act to align with the social and human rights model of disability.

Unique Provision in RPWD Act : State Commissioners for Disabilities:

• Functions: Review, monitoring, and quasi-judicial roles.
  • Legal Authority: Equivalent to civil courts under Section 82, with proceedings treated as judicial under IPC Sections 193 and 228.

Challenges in Implementation

• Delayed Appointments: Highlighted in Seema Girija Lal vs. Union of India (2021), delays undermine statutory functions.
• Selection Issues:
  • RPWD Rules advocate diverse, experienced candidates.
  • Reality: Most appointments are civil servants, compromising impartiality and oversight.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Inclusive Representation: States should appoint qualified women with disabilities and civil society representatives.
• Capacity Building: Collaboration with law schools and legal experts, as done in Karnataka.

Best Practices and Innovations

• Mobile Adalats:
  • Implemented by Karnataka for grievance redress in remote areas.
  • Promotes accessibility and on-the-spot resolutions.

• District Disability Management Review (DDMR):
  • Monitors implementation of schemes and fulfilment of quotas.
  • Enhances accountability at the district level.

• Dashboard Transparency: Websites displaying case data, annual reports, and recommendations ensure public confidence.

Quasi-Judicial Functions

• Suo Motu Interventions:
  • Lack of proactive action in addressing contraventions of the RPWD Act reduces faith in these offices.

• Interaction with Stakeholders: Regular engagement with persons with disabilities (PwDs) and representative organisations is essential for identifying policy gaps.

Focus on Research

• Collaborations: United Nations entities can aid research in disability inclusion.
• Research Areas: Social protection, care economy, and climate change impacts on PwDs.

Promising Examples

• Karnataka and Delhi:
  • Effective in building trust among PwDs for filing complaints.
  • Grievance redress and local governance integration, such as designating District Magistrates as Deputy Commissioners for Disabilities.

A Wake-Up Call

Context : Economic Slowdown Observed

• GDP Growth (Q2): Dropped to 5.4%, the lowest since Q3 of 2022-23.
• GVA Growth (Q2): Marginally better at 5.6%.
• Comparison to Q1: Sharp decline from 6.7% in Q1.

Relevance : GS 3 (Economy )

Practice Question :Explain reasons behind the recent economic slowdown in India taking account of GDP trend. Suggest policy measures to counter the challenges.(250 Words )

Deviation from Expectations

• Predictions vs Reality:
  • Economists expected 6.5% growth for Q2.
  • RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) estimated 7% growth.

• Annual Growth Outlook: The 7%+ growth expectation for 2024-25 appears overly optimistic with H1 growth at just 6%.

Factors Contributing to the Slowdown

• Urban Demand Weakness:
  • Slowing GST revenue growth.
  • Weak sales of consumer durables and non-durables.

• Impact of Inflation: October inflation peaked at a 15-month high of 6.2%, squeezing urban wallets.

• Delayed Public Capex:
  • Q1: Pause due to elections.
  • Q2: Extended monsoon delayed spending.

Policy Challenges and Considerations

• RBI’s Position:Revision of 7.2% growth forecast needed.Prioritising inflation control over rate cuts.Likely measure: Easing tight liquidity.

• Government’s Stance:Officials optimistic about H2 rural demand recovery.Plans for ramping up public capex.

Structural Issues in Urban Consumption

• Wage Stagnation: Limited income growth affecting purchasing power.
• Rising Costs: Persistent inflation erodes consumer confidence.
• Need for Action: Assumptions of urban rebound are overly complacent without addressing root causes.

Recommended Fiscal Measures

• Easing Living Costs:
  • Reduce fuel taxes to mitigate transportation-driven inflation.
  • Lower high GST rates on select essential items to revive demand.

• Public Investment Push: Accelerate capex to support growth and job creation.

Breaking Barriers with the Help of Technology

Context:

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities honors the strength and potential of individuals with disabilities.
  • India’s Paralympians won 29 medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.

Relevance : GS 2 (Social Justice )

Practice Question : Evaluate role of assistive technology in promoting inclusivity . Suggest key measures for more social justice .(250 Words )

Role of Assistive Technology (AT):

• AT enhances capabilities of athletes and individuals (e.g., advanced prosthetics, precision tools).
  • 90% of persons with disabilities globally lack access to AT (WHO report).

ICMR’s Contributions:

• Developed innovative AT devices like SmartCane (mobilityaid for the visually impaired) and TacRead (affordable digitaltextreader).
  • Recognised by the UN for pioneering work in AT.

Bridging Innovation and Accessibility:

• Launched the National List of Essential Assistive Products to standardise and improve access to AT in India.
  • Awareness efforts through IIT Delhi’s National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies.

Supporting AT Startups:

• Programmes like BIRAC-Social Alpha Quest for Assistive Technologies and Attvaran India Accelerator provide funding and mentorship to startups focused on AT solutions.
  • Help overcome financial constraints for innovative ideas.

Emerging Opportunities in AT:

• Leveraging ArtificialIntelligence and user–centricdesigns for smarter and adaptive solutions.
  • Moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches towards inclusivity and empowerment.

Future Vision: Viksit Bharat 2047:

• Prioritising inclusivity and rehabilitation in healthcare systems.
  • Transforming perceptions and enhancing support for individuals with disabilities.