DISABILITY AND POVERTY IN INDIA: POLICY FRAMEWORK, SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION

This study addresses the complex relationship between disability and poverty in India, drawing on official sources such as Census data and National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) rounds. It critically assesses the implementation and impact of key legislative measures, notably the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The findings indicate that persons with disabilities (PWDs) in India face significantly higher poverty rates, with pronounced disparities along rural-urban and gender lines. Labor force participation among disabled individuals remains markedly lower than that of the general population, with women with disabilities experiencing particularly acute challenges. Although India has established an array of policy frameworks intended to support PWDs, persistent implementation gaps undermine the effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives. The study concludes that advancing disability-inclusive development and reinforcing social protection systems are essential steps toward breaking the entrenched cycle of disability and poverty in the country. Keywords: Disability, Poverty, Social Inclusion, Policy Implementation, Labor Force Participation, India