Resources


This section consolidates resources concerning the rights of persons with disabilities on wide range of subjects ranging from COVID19 guidance documents for disability inclusion from Indian and international agencies, Accessibility Guidelines and Policy Framework on Accessibility in India, International Covenants on Disability; National Laws and Policies on Disability, Various concessions/schemes, benefits,  protocols, standards, guidelines and important legal judgements and misc publications/ research documents  etc.  It also captures the legal framework on  the Rights of Transgender Persons. 

We hope this will immensely help various stakeholders in their work and ensure that persons with disabilities get their due rights and entitlements. The information will also help in advocating an accessible and inclusive environment in villages, towns and cities for larger inclusion of persons with disabilities and senior citizen in society besides making the built environment safe and comfortable for other users.

Most of the resources hyperlinked below are saved in our Google Drive and when clicked will open in a new window. These can be viewed and downloaded. Their  formats and sizes are also indicated in a bracket and is hyperlinked for download. Some resources are, however, on external websites (another page on this website or on our sister organisation's website or on the website of Govt. agencies) and have been indicated by text 'External Weblink' which is hyperlinked. These may or may not be screen readers compatible. 

1. International Covenants on Disability | विकलांगता पर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय अनुबंध 

  • UNSDGs Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,  2015, by United Nations [PDF 369 KB]
  • Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, 2012,  by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)  Bangkok [PDF 2.8 MB]
  • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006, [PDF 68 KB] ; UNCRPD in Child Friendly Language) [PDF 122 KB]  
  • Optional Protocol to UNCRPD, 2006 (PDF 15 KB)
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1990,(PDF 113 KB);  UNCRC in Child Friendly Language) (PDF 9 KB)
  • The United Nations Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. [External Weblink[Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 1993]
  • UN Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care. [External Weblink[Adopted by General Assembly resolution 46/119 of 17 December 1991]
  • Biwako Millennium Framework.(PDF 173 KB)
  • Salamanca Statement & Framework for Action 1994 (PDF 199 KB)

2. Indian Disability Laws and Policies | भारत में विकलांगता सम्बंधित कानून एवं नीतियाँ 

  • Guidelines on Certification of Disabilities, issued vide Gazette Notification dated 04.01.2018, issued by DEPwD, Govt of India (PDF 2.6 MB)   
  • The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 [External Weblink to DRI Site]  notified on 07 April 2017 (PDF 1271 KB, 51 pages) 
  • The Mental Healthcare (State Mental Health Authority) Rules, 2018 (External weblink to DRI Site)
  • The Mental Healthcare (Central Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards) Rules, 2018 (External weblink to DRI Site)
  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (Act 49 of 2016) (received the assent of Hon'ble President of India on 27th Dec 2016 & notified in Gazette of India on 28th Dec 2016 (PDF1163 KB (External Weblink to DRI site)
  • दिव्यांगजन अधिकार अधिनियम 2016 (2016 का अधिनियम संख्यांक 49) (27 दिसंबर 2016 को   माननीय राष्ट्रपति महोदय द्वारा अनुमोदित ) (PDF 292 KB)
  • Enforcement Notification dated 19 April 2017 appointing 19 April 2017 as the date for enforcement of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. (PDF 1 MB 
  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities  Rules 2017 [Gazette Notification PDF 2MB] notified on 15.06.2017 | [See the Updated External Weblink with 2019, 2020 & 2023 amendment rules] 
  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2023 (notifying IS 17802 Accessibility for the ICT Products and Services as the ICT Standards under Section 15.  (PDF 1MB) (External Weblink)
  • Draft Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 as on 03 Mar 2017 by MSJ&E, Govt. of India (PDF 460 KB )
  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2016 (Word File with tables) (passed by Rajya Sabha on 14 Dec 2016 and by Lok Sabha on 16 Dec 2016. (Access word file of the bill without tables & easy to read by screen readers
  • The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2006 (English Version PDF 231 KB)
  • राष्ट्रीय विकलाँग जन नीति 2006 (Hindi Version PDF 281 KB)
  • The Mental Health Act - 1987 (PDF 445 KB) [stands repealed on 07 Apr 2017]
  • The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 (PDF 137 KB)
  • The Rehabilitation Council of India Act & Amendment Act - 2000 (PDF 196 KB)
  • The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act 1995 & Rules 1996 (MS Word format) [stands repealed on 28 Dec 2016]

2A. Indian Laws and Policies for Rights of Transgender Persons |  ट्रांसजेंडर व्यक्तियों के अधिकारों पर भारतीय कानून और नीतियां

  • The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 (PDF 714 KB) (HTML)
  • The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 (PDF 1.4 MB) (HTML)
  • Guidelines for Garima Greh - Shelter Home for Transgender Persons (2020-21) (PDF 1.2 MB )
  •  Advisory for the treatment & care of Transgender persons in Prisons-10 Jan 2022. (PDF 1.5 MB)

 2B.  Disability Laws and Policies- National Capital Territory of Delhi | विकलांगता सम्बंधित कानून एवं नीतियाँ -  राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र दिल्ली 

  • Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2018 notified on 27.12.2018 (PDF 603 KB
  • Circular dated 02.05.2019 specifying Medical Authority for the purpose of issuance of Certificate of Disability issued vide F.No.24/Misc.Policy/Disability/DHS/NHC/1039-45  -issued by Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi (PDF 1.5 MB)
  • Circular dated 14.07.2020 specifying jurisdiction of the 11 hospitals to entire Delhi to issue Disability Certificates, issued by Department of Health & Family Welfare, GNCT of Delhi (PDF 341 KB)
  • Guidelines on Implementation of Inclusive Education under RPWD Act 2016 and RTE Act 2009  dated 18 Feb 2021 issued by Deptt of Social Welfare, GNCTD. (PDF 1.2 MB)
  • Notification designating Special Courts in Delhi to try offences under the RPWD Act 2016, dated 19 Aug 2019, issued by Department of Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs, Govt. of NCT of Delhi (PDF 2.9 MB)

3. Accessible India Campaign 2015 - a new Initiative on Accessibility in India सुगम्य भारत अभियान 2015 - भारत में सुगम्यता पर एक नई पहल 


a) Strategy Paper for Accessible India Campaign 2015  cum Brochure [PDF 7.3 MB
b) List of Access Auditors empaneled for AIC by DEPwD, Govt. of India, dated: 18 Feb 2016 [PDF File / Word File
c) List of Access Audit Trainers, empaneled by DEPwD, Govt. of India dated 19 Jan 2017  (List in PDF 357KB,   Annexure in PDF 110 KB)
d)Access Audit Check List for AIC [PDF 0.62 MB]
e) Component wise rate chart for conducting access audits under AIC. [PDF 0.27 MB]
f) List of work orders issued for Access Audit in 31 cities dt 19.03.2016 under AIC first phase [PDF 2.38 MB]
g) List of Work Orders issued for Access Audit of 13 cities dt 23.6.2016 under AIC Second phase). [PDF 2 MB]

4. Accessibility Standards, Guidelines and Manuals Published by Different Ministries /Departments of Govt of India  भारत सरकार के विभिन्न मंत्रालयों एवं विभागों द्वारा जारी सुगम्यता मानक (एक्सेसिबिलिटी स्टैंडर्ड्स), दिशा-निर्देश एवं नियमावली (मैनुअल्स) 


4.1. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Govt. of India : Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021,  Aug 2022 [PDF 63.1 MB|  Weblink]

4.2. Bureau of Indian Standards: IS 17802 Accessibility for the ICT Products and Services  [Weblink]
Part I  Requirements  [PDF 1.9 MB]
Part 2 Determination of Conformance [PDF 1.1 MB]

4.3. Central Public Works Department :-
  • CPWD Manual on Accessible Built Environment [PDF 106.41 MB Inaccessible]
  • CPWD Maintenance Manual 2019 [PDF 2 MB]
  • CPWD Works Manual 2019 [PDF 4 MB]
  • CPWD SOPs to Work Manual 2019 [PDF 5 MB]
4.4. Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities:  Guidelines for Making Religious Places Accessible 2019 [PDF 4.1 MB] (inaccessible format)

4.5. Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India: Guidelines on Accessibility of Indian Railway Stations and Facilities at Stations for Differently Abled Persons and Passengers with Reduced Mobility, 25 Nov 2022 [PDF 6MB] [External Weblink on Indian Railway's website]

4.6. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India: Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities in Television Programmes, Sep 2019 [PDF 6 MB]

4.7. Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India :  Rural sector specific harmonized accessibility standards/guidelines, as specified in the notification of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India vide notification number G.S.R. 77, dated the 26th June, 2023.” [PDF 1 MB]

4.8. National Disaster Management Authority, Min. of Home Affairs, Govt. of India: National Disaster Management Guidelines on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction [ PDF 64.6 MBExternal Weblink on NDMA Website]

4.9. University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India:  Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities June 2022 [PDF 9.6 MB]

4.10. Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation [PDF 17 MB]

4.11. Ministry of Port Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India: Guidelines for Accessibility Standards in Port Sector, as specified in the notification F. No. CD-11053/63/2021-Coord, dated the 8th Nov 2023.” [PDF 4 MB]

4.12. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India: Bus Body Code [PDF 5 MB]

4.13. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Ministry of Education: Accessibility Code for Educational Institutions. [PDF 3.2 MB]

4.14. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of India: Guidelines for Accessible Sports Complex and Residential Facilities for Sports Persons with Disabilities [PDF 5.5 MB]

4.15. Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure: Procurement Policies of Govt. of India
  • Manual for Procurement of Consultancies and Other Services.  [PDF 4.3 MB]
  • Manual for Procurement of Goods. [PDF 5.1 MB]
4.16. Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services:  Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Banking Sector [External Weblink]

4.17.  Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India: Culture sector specific harmonised accessibility standards/guidelines, notified by the Government of India in the Ministry of Culture, vide notification number G.S.R. 7 dated 18th January, 2023, as amended from time to time: [PDF 2 MB]

4.18.  Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India: 
Guidelines on accessible and inclusive piped water supply for persons with disabilities and for other population groups with access challenges, as specified in the notification number CDN-11017/58/2021-Coordination-DDWS, dated the 2nd August, 2023 and Accessibility standards for community toilets in Rural areas, as specified in the notification number S-18012/5/2021-SBM-DDWS dated the 4th August, 2023. [PDF 4MB] 

4.19. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India: Accessibility Standards for HealthCare, notified vide notification number F.No. T.21017/20/2021-NCD.I (NPPCD)/Part., dated the 4th May, 2023. [PDF 5 MB]

4.20. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of IndiaAccessibility Guidelines for MHA Specific Built Infrastructures & Associated Services for Police Stations, Prisons & Disaster Mitigation Centres [PDF 12 MB]


5  Subject Wise Guidelines, Policies |  विषयवार दिशानिर्देश, नीतियां


5A. Access Guidelines: Built Environment (India) (Latest being on top) सुगम्यता  दिशानिर्देश: निर्मित पर्यावरण (भारत) (नवीनतम शीर्ष पर है)


Latest Guidelines | नवीनतम दिशानिर्देश

  • Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021 - Issued by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Govt. of India [PDF 63.1 MB]
  • Guidelines for Making Religious Places Accessible - Issued by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India [PDF 4.1 MB]
  • National Building Code of India 2016 (Bureau of Indian Standards, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India, released on 15 Mar 2017) [Complete Code in Volume I and 2 (Parts 0 to 12 - all sections included) Soft copy for personal use available for free on the BIS website (requires registration) https://standardsbis.bsbedge.com/  Hard copies available for Sales Counters of BIS [External Weblink] @ INR 13,760/-], 
  • Manual on Universal Accessibility for Urban Roads and Streets  (IRC:SP:117-2018),by Indian Road Congress [PDF 2MB]
  • Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities (IRC 103 (revised draft) [PDF 2MB]

         Older Guidelines for Reference | संदर्भ के लिए पुराने दिशानिर्देश

  • Harmonized Guidelines & Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities & Elderly Persons (Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India, Feb 2016) [PDF 4 MB]
  • Model Building Byelaws 2016 (Town and Country Planning Organisation, Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India, 2016) [PDF 3MB
  • Handbook on Barrier Free & Accessibility (CPWD 2015) [PDF 3MB]
  • Street Design Guidelines “...for Equitable Distribution of Road Space” by UTTIPEC (Delhi Development Authority) [PDF 24.7MB]
  • Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities (IRC 103:2012) (Indian Road Congress) [PDF 3MB]
  • Annexure D, Special Requirements for Planning of Public Buildings meant for use of physically challenged (National Building Code 2005) [PDF 2 MB]
  • Model Building Bye Laws, 2004 - Town and Country Planning Organisation, Min. of Urban Development, Govt of India [PDF 3 MB]
  • Planning a Barrier Free Environment : Office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities 2001 [PDF 1MB]
  • Guidelines & Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled & Elderly Persons (CPWD 1998) [PDF 2MB]
  • Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities IRC:103:1989 [PDF 711KB]

5B. Access Guidelines: Transportation (India) | सुगम्यता दिशानिर्देशपरिवहन (भारत)

  • Standard for Bus Body Code for transportation system [CODE  OF  PRACTICE  FOR BUS  BODY  DESIGN  AND  APPROVAL (AIS-052 (Revision 1): Aug 2008] along with Amendment No. 6  dt  15 December 2015 [External Weblink]

5C.  Access Guidelines: ICT standards & Access Tools |  सूचना और संचार प्रौद्योगिकी - एक्सेस टूल्स/ सुगम्यता उपकरण 

  • Accessible E-Content Creation Standards and Guidelines [PDF 9 MB] [External Weblink] - Prepared by XRCVC & BookShare, this document lists the standards of and guidelines for creating accessible e-content from MS Word.  These standards are intended to help NGOs, libraries, book production agencies and volunteers prepare a digital copy of books in Microsoft Word with a view to further convert it to accessible formats such as EPUB, accessible PDF and DAISY formats with minimal modifications and also help standardize the book production norms. 

  • Standards on Accessibility of ICT products and services issued by Bureau of Indian Standards, Govt. of India, (formulated by LITD 35 Sectional Committee on Assisted Living) in two parts as below:
  • Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW 2009), first edition published in 2009. [External Weblink] (prepared by NIC and adopted by DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension,  Govt. of India. [PDF 1615KB]
  • Guidelines for Indian Government Websites, version 2.0 (GIGW 2019), second edition published in February 2019, An Integral Part of Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure [External Weblink]
  • Compliance & Certification Handbook :Guidelines for Indian Government Websites [PDF 5.3 MB]
  • National Policy on Universal Electronics Accessibility, India [PDF 89 KB]
  • WCAG / ISO /IEC 40500:2012 [External WeblinkWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with a goal of proving a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally. The WCAG documents explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Web "content" generally refers to the information in a web page or web application, including natural information such as text, images, and sounds; code or markup that defines structure, presentation, etc. WCAG 2.0 is approved as an ISO standard: ISO/IEC 40500:2012. 
  • Requirements of Audio and Video Accessibility on the Web [External Weblink]:  This provides examples of the accessibility requirements of people with auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, or visual disabilities to access and comprehend media, including requirements for media formats and media player technologies. 
  • Amara [External Weblink]: Captions provide access to audio for individuals who are deaf who hard of hearing. You can add captions, sub-titles in to a video with Amara - a free and easy to use online platform.
  • Described and Captioned Media [External Weblink]: DCMP provides access to a large collection of accessible media and also provides guides for creating accessible content.
  • FANGS [External Weblink]: FANGS is a Firefox add-on. It generates the text that a screen reader would read, giving you a better sense of where information may be missing. 
  • National Center for Accessible Media [External Weblink]: If you want to learn more about creating accessible media, this is a wonderful collection of tools and resources.
  • NVDA [External Weblink]: NVDA is an open-source Windows-based screen reader. Reading your web pages with a screen reader can give you a better sense of how a blind user encounters your site. Mac users can also explore the built-in VoiceOver.
  • WAVE toolbar [External Weblink]: This toolbar is a Firefox add-on. It allows you to run error reports and create outlines to get a better sense of a website’s accessibility errors. This tool is helpful not only for assessing your own websites but for learning about what makes a website accessible.

6. Misc. National/International Publications, Handbooks & Research Papers etc.  विविध राष्ट्रीय/अंतर्राष्ट्रीय प्रकाशन, हैंडबुक और शोध पत्र आदि

  • Harmonization of National Laws with the Conveniton on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - National Case Study, Republic of India ; United Nations, 2023, Authored by Sh. T.D. Dhariyal [PDF 8.4 MB]
  • Harmonization of National Laws with the Conveniton on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Overview of Trends in Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, United Nations 2023, Lead Author- Prof Andrew Byrnes  [PDF 16.1 MB 
  • Wheelchair Provision Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2023,  Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.  [PDF 3 MB]
  • Disability Inclusion Toolkit - Catalyzing Inclusionin the BFSI Sector, India, 2023: Project SAMEIP (SBI Foundation And Microsoft India Employability Initiative for PwDs), Authored by Subhash Chandra Vashishth [PDF 44MB]
  • Overseas Road Note 21 (ORN 21) : Enhancing the mobility of people with disabilities,  funded by UKAID through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office under the High Volume Transport Applied Research Programme, managed by DT Global and produced by Integrated Transport Planning Ltd. (Authors: Neil Taylor, Dr. Nick Ayland, Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Crystal Asige, Thomas Fleming, Georgia Taylor, Ruby Stringer, Laura Marshall, Ian Stott, Charlotte Rhodes)
    • Part 1: Guidelines for Policymakers March 2022 [PDF 2MB] 
    • Part 2: Guidelines for Practitioners February 2022 [PDF 7MB
  • Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. [PDF 11.7MB]
  • Framework for Disability Policies and Strategies in Asia and the Pacific, 2022.  A Policy Paper by UNESCAP [PDF 1.9 MB]
  • Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India - A Statistical Profile 2021, published by The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation [PDF 20MB]
  • Disability Rights:  A Guide to Monitoring Compliance, by Ishak Salim - M. Joni Yulianto, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Planning on Social Affairs & Povery Reduction/ BAPPENAS, Indonesia.(2021)   [PDF 10.2 MB]
  • Diversity and Inclusion in Global Higher Education - Lessons from Across Asia, Open Access Publication, 2019-2020, edited by Catherine Shea Sanger and Nancy W. Gleason  [PDF 3 MB]
  • Humanitarian Situations and Disabled People, Policy Document - by CDPF by Dr. Sruti Mohapatra & Dr Richard Reiser [PDF 443 KB]
  • Forgotten in a Crisis : Addressing Dementia in Humanitarian Response, 2019 [PDF 1.8 MB] 
  • Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities – Are we making progress? (11-13 Sep 2019)  Background paper prepared for the International Forum on inclusion and equity in education – Every learner matters, Cali, Colombia - By UNICEF. [PDF 1MB]
  • WHO World Report on Vision 2019 [5 MB PDF ]
  • WHO Guidelines on Sanitation & Health 2018 [5.46 MB PDF]
  • WHO Guidelines on Housing & Health 2018 [6.80 MB PDF]
  • A Guide for Ensuring Inclusion and Equity in Education (2017) - by UNICEF [PDF 9MB]
  • A Resource Book on Disability Studies in India, Aug 2016, compiled by Ms. Nilika Mehrotra, JNU [PDF 848 KB]
  • Disabled Persons in India - A Statistical Profile 2016, published by The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation [PDF 6.5 MB]
  • Universal Design for Learning - A Best Practice Guideline - European Union, 2016 [PDF 7 MB]
  • The Right to education for persons with disabilities: overview of the measures supporting the right to education for persons with disabilities reported on by Member States (2015) - By UNICEF [PDF 7 MB]
  • A Handbook of Inclusive  Affordable Housing  Solutions for Persons  with Disabilities and Older Persons - by United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) (2014) [PDF 3.8 MB]
  • Catch them Young: Intervene Early - Operational Guidelines on Setting up District Early Intervention Centres (2014, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India) [PDF 09 MB]
  • Including Children with Special Needs (Primar Stage) by NCERT (National Council for Education Research & Training) (June 2014) [PDF 12MB] 
  • Preparing a 'Comprehensive Mobility Plan' CMP – A Toolkit, (2014, Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India) [PDF 15.6 MB]
  • Universal Accessibility Guidelines for Guidelines for Pedestrian, Non-motorized Vehicle and Public Transport Infrastructure, 2014 by Samarthyam  [PDF 3.7MB]
  • Manual on Access to Air Transport by Persons with Disabilities - by ICAO, Doc 9984, Year 2013 [PDF 189 KB] 
  • Problems and Prospects of Accessible Tourism in India 2010 (commissioned by Ministry of Tourism) [PDF 7 MB]
  • Harmonising Indian laws with UNCRPD (May 2010) - by HRLN, India [PDF 1MB]
  • Accessibility to E-Learning for Persons With Disabilities: Strategies, Guidelines, and Standards - NorQuest College, 2008 [PDF 325KB]
  • WHO Guidelines on the provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings, 2008.  [PDF 2409 KB
  • Human Rights Manual for District Magistrate, NHRC, 2007 [PDF 2.3MB]
  • Overseas Road Note 21 (ORN 21) - Enhancing the Mobility of Disabled People: Guidelines for Practitioners (2004) by TRL Ltd & DFID (UK) [PDF 5.1 MB] 

7. Subject-wise Instructions, Memorandums & Guidance   विषयवार निर्देश, ज्ञापन और मार्गदर्शन


7A.  Education | शिक्षा 

  • Reimbursement of Children Education Allowance (CEA) to Central Government servants having Divyang (disabled) Children, issued by DoPT, Govt. of India, dated 17.02.2023. [PDF 499KB] [External weblink to DRI Site]
  • Guidelines for Conducting Written examination for Persons with specified disabilities covered under the definition of Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016 but not covered under the definition of Section 2(r) of the said Act, i.e. persons having less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing, issued vide DEPwD OM Number F. No. 29-6/2019-DD-III Dated 10 Aug 2022  [PDF 327 KB] 
  • Central Board of Secondary Education: Exemptions/Concessions extended to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities for Class X & XII Examinations conducted by the CBSE and Standard Operating Procedure, issued vide Circular No. CBSE/COORD/112233/2018 dated 26 Sep 2018. [PDF 1MB
  • Guidelines for Conducting Written examination for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities issued vide DEPwD OM Number F. No. 34-02/2015-D III dated 29 Aug 2018 [PDF 172 KB]
  • Guidelines for the Development of e-Content for Children with Disabilities (2021) Ministry of Education, Govt. of India [PDF 2 MB ] [External weblink]
  • National Policy on ICT in Education by MHRD: 2012) (222 KB PDF)
  • Comprehensive Education Scheme for the Disabled Children under Section 30. (20 KB PDF)
  • Making Schools Accessible for Children with Disabilities (PDF 4.09 MB
  • Accessible Wash - Public Spaces and Schools: Practitioner's Manual for Making Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Accessible and Safe through improved Planning and Design (by Samarthyam) (PDF 4.57 MB)
  • Guidelines for Scheme of Equal Opportunity Centre for Colleges,  XII Plan (2012-2017), University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, India (PDF 95 KB)

     7B.   Employment | रोज़गार 

  • Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities - Clarification with regard  to the concept of own merit issued by Departement of Personnel and Training vide DoPT Memo No. 36035/02/2017-Estt(Res) dt 27 Sep 2022 [PDF 1.1 MB]  
  • Guidelines for Conducting Written examination for Persons with specified disabilities covered under the definition of Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016 but not covered under the definition of Section 2(r) of the said Act, i.e. persons having less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing, issued vide DEPwD OM Number F. No. 29-6/2019-DD-III Dated 10 Aug 2022  [PDF 327 KB]
  • Reservation in promotion to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs). issued vide DoPT Memo No. 36012/1/2020-Estt.(Res.-II) dated 17 May 2022 (PDF 658 KB)
  • Consolidated Instructions on Reservation for the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities issued vide No. 36035/02/2017-Estt (Res) dated 15 January 2018 (PDF 523 KB)
  • Guidelines for Conducting Written examination for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities dated 29 Aug 2018 [PDF 172 KB]
  • Inclusiveness & Accessibility Index (2016) - A toolkit for organization to promote inclusiveness of persons with disabilities. (PDF 1.3 MB)
  • Posting of Government employees who have differently abled dependents, 05Jan 2016 [PDF 81 KB]
  • Posting of Government employees who have differently abled dependents, 17Nov 2014 [PDF 126KB]
  • Posting of Physically Handicapped candidates, 13 Mar 2002 [PDF 1MB]
  • Posting of Government employees who have children with hearing impairment or multiple disability, 18 Feb 2000 [PDF 81 KB]
  • Posting of Government employees who have mentally retarded children, 15Feb 1991 [PDF 356KB]
  • Request for voluntary retirement from persons suffering from disability being not aware of protections available under section 47 of PWD Act 1995, issued by Govt. of India,  DoPT vide Memo No. 25012/1/2015-Estt(A-IV) dated 19 May 2015. (PDF 165 KB)
  • Amendment to Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 1972 - Section 47 of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PWD Act, 1995)-regarding, - issued by Govt. of India DoPT vide Memo No.18017/1/2014-Estt(L) dated 25 Feb 2015. (PDF 88KB)
  • Ministry of Finance Memo on "Travelling Allowance in respect of Attendant / Escort for accompanying a Government Servant with Disabilities on travel during tour/ training" issued vide No. 19030/3/2013-E.IV dated 17 February 2015 (HTML version)
  • Guidelines for providing certain facilities in respect of persons with disabilities who are already employed in Government for efficient performance of their duties - issued by DoPT vide Memo No. 36035/3/2013-Estt.(Res) dated 31 March 2014 (PDF 160 KB)
  • Extension of CGHS facilities to permanently disabled dependant brother of a CGHS beneficiary, Issued by Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare  vide Memo No. S 11011/13/2012-CGHS (P) Dated the 25 July, 2013. (PDF 719 KB)
  • Simplification of pension process for permanently disabled children/siblings and dependent parents, issued by Govt. of India, Ministry of Personnel, P.G.& Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare, vide Memo No. 1/27/2011-P&PW(E) - 01 July 2013  (PDF 424 KB)
  • Eligibility of disabled children for Family pension after marriage & Eligibility of two pensions  - issued by Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, P.G.& Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare, vide Memo No. 1/33/2012-P&PW (E) dated 16 Jan 2013 [PDF 818 KB)
  • Consideration of persons with disabilities for promotion against unreserved vacancies-reg. issued by DoPT vide Memo No. 36035/4/2010-Estt (Res) dated 01 August 2011  (PDF 32 KB)
  • Use of own car/hired taxi on LTC journey on account of physical handicap,  issued by DoPT vide Memo No. 31011/3/2009-Estt (A) dated 28 Oct 2009 (PDF 66 KB)
  • Benefit of reservation to persons with disability who acquire disability after entering into Govt. service, issued by DoPT vide Memo No. F.No.36035/3/2009-Estt.(Res.) - 10 June 2009 (PDF 69 KB)
  • Sixth Central Pay Commission Recommendation- Special dispensation in the form of Special Casual Leave to Central Government Employees with disabilities, issued by DoPT vide Memo No. 25011/1/2008-Estt(A) dated 19 Nov 2008. (PDF 64 KB)
  • 10 Days Special Casual Leave for employees with disabilities to participate in Conferences/Seminars/Training/Workshops etc. 14 Nov 2007 [PDF 1189 KB]
  • Instructions on Reservations for Persons with Disabilities in Government Jobs 29.12.2005.(PDF 30 KB)
  • List of Posts Identified as suitable to be held by Persons with Disabilities 2021 :-
    • Gazette notification dated 04 Jan 2021 on Posts Identified to be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities (Hindi) (PDF 12 MB
    • Gazette notification dated 04 Jan 2021 on Posts Identified to be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities (English)  (PDF 10 MB)
  • List of Posts Identified as suitable to be held by Persons with Disabilities 2013 :-Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in pursuance of the provisions of Section 32 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 {1 of 1996}, had constituted an Expert Committee on 30 December, 2010 under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Expert Committee, with the help of three sub-committees, made an in-depth study of various jobs performed in Government of India Ministries/Departments, public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies including Universities. The Sub-committees also reviewed jobs notified in 2007 and prepared a detailed list of Groups A, B, C and D posts which were identified suitable for persons with disabilities. The Expert Committee submitted its report on 24th January, 2012. The Central Government accepted the report and the list of posts identified for Persons with Disabilities has been published vide Notification No.16-15/2010-DD-III dated 29th July 2013.
    • Deptt of Disability Affairs Notification No. 16 – 15/2010-DD.III. dated 29 Jul 2013 (PDF 46 KB)
    • Post Identified for being held by Persons with Disabilities in Group 'A' (547 KB)
    • Post Identified for being held by Persons with Disabilities in Group 'B' (343 KB)
    • Post Identified for being held by Persons with Disabilities in Group 'C' (2 MB)
    • Post Identified for being held by Persons with Disabilities in Group 'D' (475 KB) 
  • List of Jobs identified as Suitable for Persons with Disabilities 2007:-
  • List of Posts Identified as Suitable for Persons with Disabilities - 2001 issued vide Notification No. 16-25/99-NI-1 dated 31 May 2001 (PDF 6 MB ) (inaccessible)

      7C.   Banking Facilities | बैंकिंग सुविधाएँ 

  • Banking on Accessibility- A case for accessible banking for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), India [PDF 2.5 MB]
  • Bankers' Guide for Customers with Special Needs and Persons with Disabilities - Indian Bank's Association (IBA) (published November 2017) [PDF 2MB
  • RBI Notification dated 19.11.2007 on Operation of Bank Accounts by Guardians appointed under National Trust Act, for Mental disabilities.(111 KB PDF)
  • RBI Notification dated 04.06.2008 on Banking Facilities to the Visually Challenged 04 Jun 2008.(9 KB PDF)
  • RBI Master Circular on Customer Services 2009.(503 KB PDF)

     7D.   Insurance for Persons with Disabilities | विकलांग व्यक्तियों के लिए बीमा


7E.    Air Travel Related Guidelines and Policies यात्रा सम्बन्धी नीतियां

  • DGCA CAR on Carriage by Air - Persons with Disability and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility, issued vide F. No.: 23-05/2010-AED28 th February 2014 under SECTION 3 – AIR TRANSPORT, SERIES ‘M’ PART I, ISSUE III,(Updated Rev 6,  09 Jul 2021) [PDF 330 KB [External Web Link)
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for Screening of Passengers with Special Needs and Medical Conditions  28 March 2014 [External Web Link] [PDF 9 MB]
  • BCAS Security Rules  External Web Link ]
  • Handbook for Airport Staff Sensitization on Air Travel of Persons with Disabilities (PDF 12.73 MB)
  • Report of the Asok Kumar Committee for the Review of The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for Persons with Disabilities, (Oct 2012) [PDF 2 MB]
  • Manual on Access to Air Transport by Persons with Disabilities - by ICAO, Doc 9984, Year 2013 (PDF 189 KB)
  • Supreme Court Judgement dated 12 May 2016 in matter titled Jeeja Ghosh and Anr Vs. Union of India and Ors. in Writ Petition (C) No. 98 of 2012. [External Weblink]
  • IATA: Battery-Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Guidance Document - Transport of Battery-Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Carried by Passengers Revised for the 2022 Regulations [PDF 346KB] 
  • IATA: Provisions for Dangerous Goods Carried by Passengers or Crew [PDF 182KB]

     7F.   Concessions & beneficial schemes| कन्सेशनस एवं लाभकारी योजनाएं

    1. Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP Scheme)  (Applicable effective 01 April, 2022 to 31 Mar 2026 [PDF 884 KB]
    2. Travel Fare concessions in State Bus Transport

Travel Fare concessions in Indian Railways

  • Indian Railways Commercial Circular No. 7 of 2023 dated 31.03.2023 about  Earmarking of reservation quota for persons with disabilities (PwD) in reserved Second Sitting (2S)/ air-conditioned Chair Car (CC).  [PDF 143 KB]
  • Facilities extended to Persons with Disabilities in Indian Railways [PDF 274 KB]

 Housing & Shops | आवास एवं दुकान 

Policy for Preferential Allotment of Houses/Land to Persons with Disability-2006 (Ministry of Urban Development ). [PDF 122KB]

Transport or Conveyance Allowance for Govt. Servants |  सरकारी कर्मचारियों के लिए परिवहन या वाहन भत्ता:

(a) Compendium of instructions regarding grant of transport allowance at double the rate to persons with disabilities employed in Central government- regarding. Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Memo Number 21/1/2018-E-IIB dated 15.09.2022 (PDF 2 MB)

(b) Travelling Allowance in respect of Attendant/Escort for accompanying a Government Servant with disabilities on travel during tour/training etc. - Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Memo Number 19030/03/2013-E.IV dated  17.02.2015 (PDF 314 KB)

(c) Grant of Transport Allowance (TA) to Central Govt. Employees Extension of benefit of TA at double the Normal Rates to Deaf and Dumb employees, - Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Memo Number  21(2)/2011-E.II(B) Dated 19.02.2014 (PDF 172 KB) 
(d) Grant of Transport Allowance to Orhopaedically handicapped Central Government employees, - Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Memorandum Number 21-1/2011-E.II(B) dated 05.08.2013 (PDF 711 KB
(e) Transport Allowance to Blind or Orthopaedically handicapped employees of Central Public Sector Enterprises -  Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises Memorandum Number 6(7)/2002-DPE(SC/ST Cell) -GL-103 dated 15.11.2011 (PDF 645KB)
(f) Grant of Transport Allowance to Physically Handicapped labourers having temporary status at double the Normal Rate, - DoPT Memo No. 49014/2/2008-Estt (C) dated 04.08.2008 (PDF 46 KB)
(g)  Grant of Conveyance Allowance to Blind and Orthopaedically handicapped Central Government Employees, - Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure Memorandum Number 19029/1/78-E.IV(B) dated 31.08.1978  (PDF 173 KB)

    Tax benefits for persons with disabilities | विकलांग व्यक्तियों के लिए कर लाभ

(a) While filing for income tax, both the person with the disability and their family members can avail of tax benefits. For persons with 40% to 79% disability a tax deduction of up to Rs. 75,000 can be availed per year. Furthermore, persons with   more than 80% disability can avail of a tax deduction of Rs. 1,25,000 per year.
(b) Under Section 80U, a person with disabilities can claim tax deductions on  medical expenses incurred over the year. Additionally, under Section 80DD,  payments made towards medical treatments for the Persons with Disabilities by  family members are  tax-deductible too.
(c) Also, insurance premiums paid on behalf of the Persons with Disabilities can     also be claimed. Pls Nnte that these tax benefits are subject to changes.
   (d) Documents required to be submitted for availing of tax benefits:-
- Premium payment receipt
- A medical report describing the extent of disability
- Self-declaration stating the medical expenses incurred during the year
- Form 10-IA needs to produced in the case of mental disabilities

7G.      Disability Certification | विकलांगता प्रमाणन


(a) Guidelines on Certification of Disabilities, issued vide Gazette Notification dated 04.01.2018, issued by DEPwD, Govt of India (PDF 2.6 MB
(b) Circular dated 02.05.2020 containing "List of Identified Hospitals in New Delhi for Certification - Disability wise". (PDF 2MB)

7H.      Mobility and Transportation |  मोबिलिटी और परिवहन

Driving Licenses and Registration Certificates for Persons with Disabilities | विक्लांगजनों हेतु ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस एवं वाहन पंजीकरण प्रमाणपत्र

Notification of Ministry of Transport & Highways No. RT-11021/40/2014-MVL dated 14 June 2016 titled "Procedure for Guidelines for Grant of Driving Licences & Registration Certificates to Differently Abled Persons" [Inaccessible PDF 12 MB]

 GST Concessions in purchase of vehicles (by Ministry of Heavy Industries) | वाहनों की खरीद में जी.एस.टी. रियायतें (भारी उद्योग मंत्रालय द्वारा)

(a)  FAQs for GST Concession Certificate for Persons with Disabilities (PDF 150KB)

(b)  Revised Guidelines dated 21 Apr 2020 & Guidelines dated 24 Oct 2019 for issue of  GST Concession Certificate for purchase of vehicles by persons with othopedic disability. (PDF 2MB)

Alteration of vehicles and Recording of Ownership in Registration Certificates etc. (by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways) | वाहनों के परिवर्तन और पंजीकरण प्रमाण पत्र आदि में दिव्यांगजन के स्वामित्व की रिकॉर्डिंग (सड़क परिवहन और राजमार्ग मंत्रालय द्वारा)

(a)  Notification regarding alteration of two wheelers for use of persons with disabilities, issued by Min. of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways,  (Department of Road Transport and Highways) (MVL SECTION) Resolution No.  RT-11012/12/01-MVL. dated 23 July 2008 (PDF 283KB)

(b) Recording of Ownership types in Registration Certificate w.r.t - Divyangjan issued by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India vide RT- 11036/57 /2020- MVL dated 03 Feb 2023 (PDF 1005KB)

Parking Stickers for Persons with Disabilities | विकलांग जनों के लिए पार्किंग स्टीकर 

Parking facility is available to physically challenged persons using motor vehicles in No Parking Area. Necessary parking sticker is issued on an application along with disability certificate to DCP/Traffic (VIP) at Help Desk, Traffic Police Headquarters, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi-110012 as per the FAQs on Delhi Police Website


8. COVID-19 Guidance Documents | COVID-19 मार्गदर्शन दस्तावेज़ 
  1. School Transport for Children & Youth with Disabilities in a time of pandemic- By Access Exchange International (Jul 2020) [PDF 2 MB]
  2. SOPs for Recommencement of Domestic Flights -by Airport Authority of India (May2020) [PDF 292 KB]
  3. Policy Brief- A disability inclusive  responsive to Covid-19 by United Nations  [PDF 399 KB]
  4. SOP for COVID-19 for Every Home, issued by Govt. of India [PDF 1MB ]
  5. Health Passport : COVID19 - Safe Air Travel during Covid 19 pandemic for Travellers - By Ms. Janett Jimenez and Mr. Manuel Escartin  [PDF 153KB]
  6. Key Messages and Actions for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Schools:  March 2020 [By UNICEF, WHO & IFRC]  [PDF 532KB]
  7. Guidelines for Child Care Institutions under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in the Context of COVID-19 based on Supreme Court of India Order dated 3.3.2020 [PDF 1MB]
  8. Accessible Information and Communication for Persons with Disabilities under the Coronavirus Crisis- Main Guidelines for Public Service Providers, May 2020- by Global Ramp [PDF 778KB]
  9. Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines for protection and safety of persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in light of COVID-19 - by DEPwD, GOI [PDF 111KB]

9. Judgements on Disability Issues | विकलांगता के मुद्दों पर अदालत  के फैसले

9A. Disability Rights Through Courts [External website] - A sister website that has detailed analysis of disability rights cases in India and beyond.
9B.  Judgements of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Delhi (from 2017- till Date) [External website]- A sister website cum blog containing recommendations and judgements of the SCPD Delhi.