Equality of treatment for Persons with Disabilities
The article highlights the significant exclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from India's digital welfare state, citing inadequate, fragmented, and discretionary disability pensions. It points out that pension amounts vary widely by state and are often insufficient, with India spending significantly less on disability welfare compared to other countries. The author argues for establishing a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR) to fulfill constitutional obligations (Article 41, right to dignity under Article 21) and operationalize the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Such a measure is presented not just as a welfare expense but as an economic investment with high fiscal multipliers. The article also advocates for a single National Disability Pension Authority to streamline the system, drawing parallels with international best practices, and emphasizes the need for political will to ensure dignity and inclusion for PwDs.
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