UPSC Prelims 2011 Q34: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them
under the law?
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government - run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Legal benefits for persons with disabilities in India
The Persons with Disabilities Act (and related rules) grants several concrete entitlements.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free schooling till age 18 in government-run schools | Correct | The Act mandates free education for disabled children up to 18 years in government institutions |
| 2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up a business | Correct | The law provides for preferential land allotment for self-employment/business purposes |
| 3. Ramps in public buildings | Correct | Barrier-free access (ramps, etc.) in public buildings is a mandated accessibility provision |
Disability rights in brief:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Free till age 18 in government schools |
| Livelihood | Preferential land allotment for business |
| Access | Ramps/barrier-free public buildings |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are also correct benefits, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 (free schooling till 18) is also correct, so this combination leaves it out wrongly.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 (land allotment) is also correct, so this combination is incomplete.
- (d) CORRECT. All three — free schooling, preferential land, and accessible buildings — are genuine statutory benefits.
Key point
Disability law benefits: free schooling till 18 + preferential land allotment for business + mandated ramps/barrier-free public buildings — all three are real.
Remember
PwD Act benefits: free schooling till 18, preferential land for business, mandatory ramps/accessibility — all three true.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only one or two of several listed welfare provisions can be true at once.
- Underestimating how comprehensive the Persons with Disabilities Act's entitlements are.
- Not recognising accessibility mandates (ramps) as a legal requirement, not just a courtesy.
Exam tip
When a disability-rights question lists plausible, non-contradictory welfare provisions, 'all of the above' is often correct.
Sources
- Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India — National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006