The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016

Physical copy of a legal document on a desk, along with a gavel, a magnifying glass and reading glasses

Information and downloadable documents relating to the RPWD Act, in multiple languages.

The RPWD Act was enacted in December 2016, in India. It promotes and protects the rights and dignity of people with disabilities in various aspects of life — educational, social, legal, economic, cultural and political. It applies to government, non government and private organisations. It has mandates and timelines for establishments to ensure accessibility of infrastructure and services. It has implementing mechanisms like Disability Commissioner’s Offices at the Centre and State level, District Committees, Boards and Committees for planning and monitoring the implementation of the Act, Special Courts at District level and so on. It has penalties in case of violation of any provisions of the Act.

Official Text of the RPWD Act

Original text, in English and Hindi

Translated text, in regional languages

The act has been translated into regional languages by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), with support of their State Partners. Some of the translations can be downloaded in DOCX format from below. (Note: for DOCX files, regional language fonts may need to be installed in your devices first).

RPWD Rules

RPWD Rules were notified in June 2017.

DEOC’s Reports / Manuals on the RPWD Act

Please Contact Us for any further information about the RPWD Act, 2016.