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India's disability law

In December 1995, the first disability rights legislation was passed by India's parliament, giving full participation and equality rights to an estimated 60 million people.

In December 1995, India's parliament passed the country's first disability rights legislation.

The landmark law aimed to give full participation and equality rights to an estimated 60 million people - around five percent of India's population who are affected by physical or mental disabilities.

In 2015, Farhana Haider spoke to disability rights activist Javed Abidi who led the campaign to change the law.

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(Photo: Javed Abidi with a crowd of protestors demonstrating over disabled rights. Credit: NCPEDP)

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11 minutes

Last on

Wed 17 Dec 2025 03:50GMT

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