Rules formulated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, have been notified by the Delhi government, giving persons with disabilities (PwD) better access to education, healthcare and employment.

The Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018, were notified by the Social Welfare Department on December 27, a statement from Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam said on Tuesday.

‘New Year gift’

Terming it a “New Year gift” for PwD, the Minister said the reason for the delay in notifying the rules was that Delhi was not categorised as a “State” in the rules so the government had to get clearance from the Lieutenant-Governor to approach the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Section 101 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, confers power upon the State government to make such rules under the said act. However, the term, ‘State government’ has not been defined in the RPwD Act, 2016,” the statement read.

Special powers

The Delhi government had to seek a special delegation of powers to formulate the rules, the statement added.

“However, since the notification is done, now the differently-abled can avail the benefits and concessions in education, health services, loan facilities, jobs and any such governmental schemes,” the statement read.

The new rules lay down procedures for workplaces to handle complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability, reservation of jobs, research on disability and ensuring equal opportunity.