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

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The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is a critical topic for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, particularly under GS Paper II (Social Justice and Governance) . It replaced the PwD Act of 1995 to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Key Highlights of the RPwD Act, 2016 1. Expanded Definition of Disability The Act increased the number of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21.   Added Disabilities : Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism, Muscular Dystrophy, Acid Attack victims, Speech and Language disability, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chronic Neurological conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s), Blood Disorders (Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell disease), and Multiple Disabilities.   The Central Government maintains the power to add more types of disabilities to this list. 2. Rights and Entitlements  ✅  Education : Children with "benchmark disabilities...

The Sarkaria Commission

 The Sarkaria Commission was established in 1983 by the Government of India to review Centre-State relations and recommend measures to improve federal governance. It was chaired by Justice R. S. Sarkaria, a retired Supreme Court judge.

Key Objectives

  • Assess the distribution of powers, functions, and responsibilities between the Centre and States.

  • Recommend reforms to ensure better coordination and cooperation.

  • Address concerns related to governors’ discretionary powers and the use of Article 356.

Major Recommendations

  1. Restraint in Using Article 356

    • Suggested that President’s Rule should be imposed only as a last resort.

    • Recommended issuing warnings before invoking Article 356.

  2. Strengthening Fiscal Federalism

    • Advocated for greater financial autonomy for states.

    • Recommended fairer revenue-sharing mechanisms.

  3. Governor’s Role

    • Suggested that Governors should be impartial and not act as agents of the Centre.

    • Proposed consultation with Chief Ministers before appointing Governors.

  4. Inter-State Council

    • Recommended to establish a permanent Inter-State Council to foster dialogue between the Centre and States.

The Sarkaria Commission played a crucial role in shaping cooperative federalism in India.

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