Analyzing Inclusivity in Disability Policy of India: A Policy Analysis of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016

The Rights of Persons with Disability Act (RPWD), 2016 marked a shift in the approach to disability policy in India. It was designed to ensure protection and inclusion of people with disabilities in the society. Our study attempted to analyse the RPWD, 2016 to examine its provisions. We conducted an in-depth document analysis of the RPWD act of 2016, additional notifications with regards to this act, and the scientific literature on disability. The findings indicated that the act's approach to mental disability and its integration was inadequate. The challenges of disability certification were not addressed sufficiently, and the assessment procedures were elusive in multiple contexts. Additionally, provisions for caregivers and people with disabilities were ambiguous in various areas. Despite the lacunae, the act had certain strengths, including moving away from a stigmatizing medical model to a social model of disability, advocating for nondiscrimination, and policy recognition of the government's role in providing for opportunity and support for people with disabilities and their caregivers, among others. We concluded that while the act is a noteworthy step for protection and inclusion of people with disabilities in the society, it has gaps that require revisions to ensure successful implementation.