STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN INDIA: AN ANALYSIS

Persons with disabilities are among the most marginalized and overlooked groups worldwide, with limited opportunities for social and economic progress (as noted by Amartya Sen and James D. Wolfensohn in 2014). It is important to recognize that individuals with disabilities are not a homogenous entity; rather, they encompass a diverse range of disability types, each with its unique challenges and requirements for specialized care and support, as pointed out by (Leni Chaudhuri in 2006). India, in particular, has a substantial population of individuals with disabilities. According to the 2011 Census of India, this demographic accounted for approximately 26.8 million people, constituting 2.21 percent of the countrys total population. In this backdrop the present study has objectives are to know the growth rate of disabled population in across the states in India; to study the educational status of persons with disability in different states in India; to examine the work participation rate of disabled population in across the states in India and lastly, to offer policy suggestions for upliftment of the disabled persons in india.The study is based on purely secondary data. the data collected from different sources like Census of India 2011 and https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in. the study has also used simple statistical tools such as percentage, decadal growth rate and rank for the analyses.the study observes significant variations in the trends of the disabled population growth in different states of India. The overall data reflects the combined figures for both literate and illiterate disabled individuals and mirrors the gender and urban-rural disparities observed in the subgroups.the disparity in literacy rates between disabled and non-disabled populations in different states and union territories.the study found that the disabled males have a significantly higher work participation rate compared to disabled females, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas. Rural areas have a slightly higher work participation rate among disabled individuals than urban areas. The study suggested that to develop and implement gender-sensitive policies and programs to address the gender disparities in disability rates in India level; To focus on inclusive education programs to reduce illiteracy rates among disabled individuals, with a particular emphasis on rural areas in India and to promote inclusive employment opportunities, especially for disabled females, to reduce gender disparities in workforce participation. KEYWORDS: Disability, Educational Attainment, Growth Rate, Districts, States.