The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the Government of India to safeguard the rights, dignity, and welfare of persons with disabilities and to ensure their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. The Act replaced the earlier Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and was enacted in accordance with India’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It represents a significant shift from a welfare-oriented approach to a rights-based framework, recognizing persons with disabilities as equal citizens entitled to the same opportunities and protections as others. One of the most important features of the Act is the expansion of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 categories, including conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, and acid attack victims. The Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability and guarantees equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, political participation, and access to justice. It provides for 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% reservation in higher educational institutions for persons with benchmark disabilities, while also ensuring free education for children with benchmark disabilities between the ages of 6 and 18 years. Furthermore, the Act mandates accessibility in public buildings, transportation systems, information and communication technologies, and government services to create an inclusive environment. It also emphasizes community living, protection from abuse and exploitation, social security measures, skill development, and rehabilitation services. To ensure effective implementation, the Act establishes institutional mechanisms such as the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities at the national level and State Commissioners at the state level, who are responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing grievances. Through these provisions, the RPwD Act, 2016 seeks to empower persons with disabilities, promote equality and inclusion, and create a barrier-free society where every individual can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunities.