Govt. of India – Planning Commission

11th Five Year Plan – 2007-12

Section 6.172

Salient Features:

1.    Agrees that the % of PWDs in NSSSO and Census of 1.8-2.1% is very low. When compared to other countries in the Asia Pacific Region – Bangladesh – 5.6%, Sri Lanka – 7%. Therefore it even at a conservative level it can be assumed that % of PWDs in India is around 5 to 6%.

2.    From the 9th Plan the approach and focus has been shifted from a “Welfare Approach” to a “Rights based approach”. Examples: A number of Acts such as PWD Act and others have been enacted during the 9th and 10th Plan.

3.    In-spite of enabling legislations and various provisions contained in the earlier plans – the commitments of “Reaching the Un-reached” remains unfulfilled

4.    Therefore in the 11th Plan – the approach is more pragmatic and serious efforts are being made to empower the disabled and focusing special attention on monitoring mechanisms.

5.    11th Plan is based on the PWD Act, National Policy for PWDs 2006 and UNCRPD

6.    4 pronged approach -

a.   Delineate clear cut responsibilities amongst concerned Ministries/ Departments

b.   Concerned Ministry/ Department to formulate detailed rules and guidelines within 6 months of approval of plan

c.    Ensure each Ministry/ Department reserves not less than 3% of the annual outlay for PWDs

d.   Set-up monitoring mechanisms at various levels and develop review systems

7.    ‘Disability Division’ of Min SJ&E will be upgraded into a separate “Department”

8.    Office of the Commissioner Disabilities to be strengthened so that they can perform more effectively and ensure different Ministries/ Departments perform their function

9.    Setting up of ‘National Institute of Universal Design’ – promoting barrier-free environment

10.                       At least 300 Districts are covered by DDRC – expand from the present 128 DDRC

11.                       Raising income ceiling for assistance under ADIP to Rs. 10,000/- and enhancement to Rs 25,000 aids and appliances per person

12.                       Commercial and Rural Banks and NABARD to provide loans on a concessional basis

13.                       Ensure Dist. Magistrate are responsible to provide Disability Certificate within 30 days of making an application

14.                       Vigorous implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan for Inclusive Education of Children and Youth with disabilities

15.                       Identification of jobs  - with the help of DPOs

16.                       Backlog placements

17.                       Incentives to promote employment of PWDs in private sector

18.                       Amending building bye-laws for barrier-free access

19.                       Proactive steps in the detection, managements, preventions of mental disabilities, mental disorders, mental illness

20.                       Focus on the needs of persons with hearing impairments – training of sign language interpreters, establishing a Sign Language Research and Training Centre, at least one residential special school up to grade 12th for the deaf in every state and one Degree College for the Deaf in every zone

 

Compiled by: C. Mahesh, Advocacy Coordinator, CBR Forum, advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com