The India: Social Development Report 2016-Disability Rights Perspectives presents new research in disability studies, a little understood subject in the social sciences and humanities in India, as also in the development discourse. The disproportionate disadvantage, exclusion, and stigmatization suff ered by persons with disabilities are caused by cultural, social, and physical barriers that obstruct their effective participation in social and political life. Encompassing the diversity of life-worlds of persons with disabilities, the first part of the report presents research findings in the areas of health, socio-economic status, custodial facilities, and psychiatric care for persons with psycho-social disabilities; employment and labour, right to education, higher education, status of women and girls with disabilities; and status of women with intellectual disabilities. The second part of the report deals with other critical aspects of social development such as ageing, housing, displacement, degrading labour, labour migration, and financial inclusion. The third part presents the cumulative Social Development Index.
The Social Development Report 2016 addresses the fundamental elements of non-derogable rights of all citizens of India, illuminating the pathways to their realization for persons with disabilities in all their heterogeneity. By addressing the need for setting the constitutional standard of non-discrimination and dignity, the report also shows how entrenched social practices can be dislodged with appropriate, mandatory, and necessary governance structures. The Council for Social Development is an institution of advanced research in the social sciences and humanities, with two centres located in Delhi and Hyderabad. It was established in the 1960s by a group of scholars and policymakers in social development led by Durgabai Deshmukh and C.D. Deshmukh. The Council, through its research, publications, and advocacy, seeks to promote dialogue and debate and to secure justice for all in every sphere of life in India.