Abstract

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, marks a major step forward in India’s efforts to promote inclusion and equality for people with disabilities. It brings national laws in line with international commitments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This paper takes a critical look at how the Act has been put into practice, recognizing key achievements such as the broader definition of disability, stronger requirements for accessibility, and increased reservations in education and employment. However, despite these positive changes, several challenges continue to limit the Act’s full impact. These include low awareness among stakeholders, inadequate funding, and gaps in implementing accessibility measures. The paper calls for focused action, better financial support, and inclusive governance to reduce regional inequalities and support people facing multiple layers of disadvantage. It also suggests that by embracing new technologies and encouraging collaboration between government, civil society, and communities, India can use the RPwD Act as a tool to transform public attitudes and strengthen the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.