Introduction India, a nation with the world’s largest democracy, is also home to one of the widest income inequalities. The poor often face discrimination not because of their race, gender, or caste—but simply because of their economic status. From being treated with suspicion in hospitals to being spoken down to in schools and ignored in courts, poor people in India often endure a different reality than the well-off. What Is Economic Class Discrimination? Economic Class Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their income, wealth, or social class. It often manifests in subtle and overt ways across society: A daily wage worker denied timely healthcare. A slum-dwelling child ignored by teachers. A domestic worker paid less than minimum wage without any benefits. This form of discrimination worsens existing inequalities and prevents marginalized individuals from breaking the cycle of poverty. Affected Groups Some of the most affected by economic class discri...
Discrimination Based on Disability
Description
People with physical or mental disabilities often lack access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, transportation, and public spaces. Although India has made progress in laws and policies protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, discrimination remains a daily reality. From poorly designed infrastructure to social stigma and institutional neglect, disabled individuals frequently encounter barriers that prevent them from participating fully and equally in society.
Understanding Disability
Disability is not just a medical condition; it is a complex interaction between physical or mental impairments and environmental or social barriers. A person might use a wheelchair, have a vision or hearing impairment, or live with intellectual, developmental, or psychological challenges. But what truly disables them is the society that fails to provide ramps, braille, sign language interpretation, flexible workspaces, inclusive education, or simply respect.
According to the Census of India 2011, over 2.68 crore people (2.21% of the population) live with a disability. However, experts believe the actual number is much higher due to underreporting, stigma, and lack of awareness.
Types of Disability Discrimination
1. Educational Barriers
Many schools still lack ramps, accessible toilets, trained staff, or inclusive curriculum. Children with disabilities are often denied admission or pushed into separate “special” schools, which limits their development and isolates them from mainstream society.
2. Workplace Discrimination
Even highly qualified persons with disabilities struggle to find jobs. Employers may doubt their capabilities, fail to provide assistive devices or refuse necessary accommodations. Some are hired under mandatory quotas but never promoted or included in key roles.
3. Access Issues
Footpaths without ramps, buses without lifts, buildings without elevators – such barriers make everyday movement difficult or impossible. Government buildings, hospitals, police stations, and courts are often not fully accessible.
4. Healthcare Neglect
Persons with mental illness or intellectual disability often suffer neglect in hospitals. Many doctors lack training on how to communicate or treat persons with disabilities with dignity.
5. Social Stigma
From being pitied or overprotected to being called “burdens” or “cursed,” people with disabilities face deep-rooted social biases. Women with disabilities are at even greater risk of abuse and neglect.
Legal Framework in India
India has enacted several important laws to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The most significant among them is:
➤ The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)
This Act replaced the old Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
Key Features:
Expanded Disability List: Increases the number of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 (including autism, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, multiple sclerosis, acid attack victims, and more).
Reservation:
4% reservation in government jobs for persons with benchmark disabilities (up from 3%).
5% reservation in higher education institutions.
Anti-Discrimination Mandate: Prohibits discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, access to public buildings, transport, etc.
Grievance Redressal: Institutions must appoint grievance officers to handle disability-related complaints.
Accessibility Norms: Mandates barrier-free access in public buildings, transportation, and services.
Guardianship and Legal Capacity: Recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to make legal decisions, with limited guardianship if needed.
Recent Amendments and Government Efforts
1. Draft Accessibility Guidelines for Built Environment (2023)
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued updated guidelines to improve access in urban areas – including tactile paths, wheelchair ramps, signboards in braille, and accessible toilets.
2. New Disability Certification System (UDID)
The Unique Disability ID (UDID) system is being implemented nationwide to provide each person with a digital disability certificate that links to welfare schemes and services.
3. Amendments in Education Rules
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes inclusive education and integrating children with disabilities into mainstream schools with adequate support.
4. Digital Accessibility Guidelines
The Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) were updated to ensure that digital platforms and mobile apps are accessible to persons with visual, hearing, or motor impairments.
Ongoing Challenges
✖ Poor Implementation
Despite laws, many buildings remain inaccessible. Courts and police stations often lack sign language interpreters or accessible infrastructure.
✖ Delays in Certification
Many eligible persons still don’t receive disability certificates due to bureaucratic delays or corruption.
✖ Low Awareness
Teachers, employers, officials, and the public often lack understanding of how to support persons with disabilities, leading to unintentional exclusion.
Case Studies
In 2021, the Supreme Court directed all states to comply with the RPwD Act and make public buildings accessible after a petition revealed that government offices lacked ramps or elevators.
In Delhi, a visually impaired student was denied admission to a college citing “inability to provide support” – a violation of Section 32 of the RPwD Act.
In Mumbai, several private housing societies were found denying flats to people with disabilities, citing maintenance concerns or "lack of facilities." This is illegal under Section 40 of the RPwD Act.
Support and Way Forward
✔ Strengthen Implementation
Governments must enforce accessibility norms, conduct audits, and penalize non-compliance.
✔ Sensitization Training
Mandatory disability awareness and sensitivity training in schools, police academies, hospitals, and corporate offices.
✔ Incentives for Employers
Tax benefits or subsidies for companies that hire and accommodate persons with disabilities.
✔ Inclusive Design
Urban planning must embrace universal design principles so that cities become usable by all – regardless of physical ability.
✔ Community Participation
Persons with disabilities should be included in policy-making, planning, and monitoring of accessibility initiatives.
Conclusion
Disability discrimination is not just a legal issue – it is a human rights issue. Every person deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to live independently. Laws like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 have laid the foundation, but much more needs to be done to change mindsets, make systems inclusive, and remove barriers – both physical and attitudinal.
It is time to shift the focus from "charity" to equality, from sympathy to empowerment. Only then can we build a truly inclusive and compassionate India.
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