Abstract
This paper addresses contemporary initiatives undertaken by Central and State Governments for persons with disabilities in India. The Government initiatives cover a wide range of policy formulations, programmes plans, execution of schemes and legal enactments related to persons with disabilities and impairments in the country. While the zeal is appreciable and welcome for a long neglected section of our society, there are several teething troubles which need to be addressed in the overall coordinated establishment of a social system for the protection of the disabled. It is argued that private institutions could be encouraged and the government should take up more of a monitoring and supervisory role. A corporate culture in disability rehabilitation is called for. Evaluation and accrediting of qualified professionals is also important. Apart from special provisions for disabled in normal schools, the focus on alternatives to formal schooling for children with disabilities is to be encouraged. There is need to coordinate the efforts of various departments of the government in order to avoid duplication. Lacunae in the legal rights of disabled also need to be addressed urgently.
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