Introduction
The Punjab Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities Act 2022 (the “Act”) is a comprehensive legislation enacted
to provide for the protection, welfare, empowerment and inclusion of persons
with disabilities and their families in the State of Punjab.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Act are to:
1. Recognize and protect the rights
of persons with disabilities in Punjab.
2. Promote the integration and
participation of persons with disabilities in society.
3. Provide equal access to education,
health, employment, and other services.
4. Ensure a barrier-free environment
for persons with disabilities.
5. Provide financial and other forms
of assistance to persons with disabilities.
6. Promote research and awareness
about disabilities.
7. Ensure the effective
implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Key
Provisions:
1.
Rights
and Entitlements: The Act guarantees the rights of
persons with disabilities to full equality and non-discrimination in the
enjoyment of all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and to
the full and effective participation and inclusion in society. It also provides
for the right to access education, health care, employment, and other services.
2.
Empowerment
and Inclusion: The Act emphasizes the right of
persons with disabilities to access and participate in the economic, social,
and cultural life of the State of Punjab. It provides for the appointment of a
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities who will be responsible for
monitoring, supervising, and advocating for the rights and entitlements of
persons with disabilities.
3.
Reservation: The Act provides for reservation in education, employment,
and other services for persons with disabilities. It also sets out quotas for
the representation of persons with disabilities in public services, local
bodies, and other elected bodies.
4.
Accessibility
& Mobility: The Act provides for the
establishment of disability-friendly infrastructure in public places, including
public transport, buildings, and other places. It also requires the State of
Punjab to ensure the accessibility of all public services, including health
care, education, transport, and employment services.
5.
Protection
from Abuse, Violence and Intolerance: The act
provides for the right to protection from all forms of abuse, violence and
exploitation, and cannot be the subject of any research without their free and
informed consent or the consent of their legal guardian. Prior permission must
also be given by a committee established by the Council.
6.
Rehabilitation: The Act provides for the establishment of special
rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities. It also provides for
vocational training and other forms of assistance to enable persons with
disabilities to be self-reliant.
7.
Financial
Support: The Act provides for the provision
of financial assistance and other forms of support to persons with disabilities
and their families in order to enable them to lead a life of dignity and
independence. This includes assistance for education, health care, employment,
and other services.
8.
Quotas: The Act provides for the reservation of 3% of government
jobs and other services for persons with disabilities. It also provides for the
reservation of at least 3% of seats in educational institutions for persons
with disabilities.
9.
Guardianship: The Act also provides for the appointment of a guardian for
a minor or a person with disability who is unable to take care of his/her own
affairs.
10.
Penalties: The Act provides for the imposition of fines and
imprisonment for violations of the provisions of the Act. It also provides for
the establishment of a State Monitoring Committee to ensure the effective
implementation of the Act.
11.
Miscellaneous: The Act also provides for the establishment of a State
Council for Persons with Disabilities as well as other measures to ensure the
effective implementation of the Act.
