Congratulations! We did it! Thank you all for your support. Through our collective voice we were able to help contribute in reversing the governments decision to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Every voice and vote counts! Thank you for making a positive difference in the lives of many.

A statement was released by the The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and The Department of Employment of Persons with Disability stating the following:

During the consultation process, the Department received feedback from various stakeholders, majority of whom opined that the existing provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016 are appropriate safeguards for PwDs, and are essential for the effective implementation of the Act. They were of the view that compounding of offences would dilute the spirit of the said Act for protecting and preserving the rights of persons with disabilities.

Keeping in view the overall sentiments of the majority of stakeholders, the Department is now of the considered view, that going ahead with the proposed amendment for compounding of offences may not be in the interest of persons with disabilities. Therefore, it has been decided by the Department that there is sufficient ground to close the consultation process and not to pursue the proposed amendment to the RPwD Act, 2016.

You can find the full statement here: http://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/content/Decriminalisation.docx

Thank you.