Context: Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate
The article argues for a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate so that every Person with Disability receives a nationally guaranteed minimum pension, ensuring equality, dignity and social security across India.
Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate
It means a nationally guaranteed minimum disability pension amount below which no eligible person with disability should receive pension.
States may provide additional top-ups above this floor rate.
Why is it Needed?
- Disability pensions vary widely across States.
- 2011 Census recorded 2.68 crore Persons with Disabilities.
- Current estimates place PwDs at around 4.5–6 crore.
- India spends only 0.02% of GDP on disability welfare.
- Exclusion of PwDs from education, employment and social security may cost economies 3–7% of GDP.
- A pension floor of ₹8,000 per month would cost only about 0.08% of GDP.
Legal Basis
- Right to life with dignity.
Important cases:
- Francis Coralie Mullin, 1981
- Bandhua Mukti Morcha, 1984
Article 41
- Public assistance in cases of disability.
- Directive Principle of State Policy.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Expanded recognised disabilities from 7 to 21.
- Section 24 mandates social security support.
Way Forward
- Introduce national disability pension floor with State top-ups.
- Create National Disability Pension Authority.
- Ensure portability of benefits.
- Ensure uniform eligibility criteria.
- Establish grievance redressal mechanism.
- Move from fragmented schemes to an integrated national disability support system.
Global Examples
Similar nationwide disability income support exists in:
- South Africa
- Brazil
- Australia
Prelims Fact
India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
