Definition:
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is India’s rights-based legislation that expands legal protections, accessibility obligations, reservation provisions, and anti-discrimination safeguards for persons with disabilities.

UPSC PYQ Year:
Social justice laws and rights-based legislations are highly relevant in prelims and mains.

UPSC Prelims Pointers:
Replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995; increased recognized disability categories from 7 to 21; provides reservation in higher education and government jobs; emphasizes accessibility, equality, and dignity; aligned with UNCRPD.

Time Period / Context:
Enacted in 2016 to harmonize Indian law with international disability rights commitments.

Related Schemes:
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan; Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; UNCRPD.

One-line Trap Point:
UPSC often traps on the jump from 7 to 21 disabilities.