Government to examine feasibility of ID cards for disabled persons

NEW DELHI: The Government on Tuesday said there is a proposal to examine the feasibility of introducing universally valid identity cards for persons with disabilities.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sudharshan Bhagat informed Lok Sabha that the process has been initiated by way of consultation with some State Governments.

On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 he said that the proposed bill is a rights-based legislation, whereas the existing act of 1995 is a welfare-based act.

Highlighting the features of the bill, Bhagat stated that the types of disabilities have been increased from existing seven to 19 and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.

The minister said an increase in reservation from three to five per cent in Government jobs for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability has also been proposed.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on Februrary 7.