Indian legal initiatives for the disabled that could have been transformative – but faltered

The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is being observed on December 3, is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”.

However, it is ironic that India still does not have persons with disabilities participating in political leadership. In fact, most fundamental facilities do not even follow the government’s accessibility mandates.

Though disability-related social justice measures have seen considerable development in recent years, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is worth recounting the forgotten history of disability-related legislation that could have been transformative – but failed to make it through.

That dates back to July 1980, when a government working group, led by LK Advani of the Bharatiya Janata Party, was set up to examine how legislative action could promote the economic rehabilitation and social integration of persons with disabilities. In case such legislation was considered essential, the group was to detail its scope and objectives.

The group submitted its report to the government in December 1981 in the form of a draft legislation called the Disabled Persons (Security and Rehabilitation) Bill. The draft is not available in the public domain. Advani has said that the bill was rejected by the higher bureaucracy of the...

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