Institutional Framework — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (New Act)	2016	The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. This was a significant legislative overhaul, not an amendment to an existing act, but a new, more comprehensive law.	Expanded the definition of disability from 7 to 21 conditions, increased reservation in government jobs from 3% to 4%, introduced new rights like accessibility standards, and strengthened institutional mechanisms by establishing the Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners with enhanced powers, and mandating Special Courts.
N/A (New Act)	1999	The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999, established a dedicated statutory body, the National Trust.	Created a specialized institution to address the unique needs of specific categories of PwDs, focusing on legal guardianship, independent living, and support services, thereby filling a crucial gap in the existing welfare framework.
N/A (New Act)	1992	The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, established the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) as a statutory body.	Professionalized the rehabilitation sector by regulating training, standardizing qualifications, and maintaining a register of professionals, ensuring quality and ethical standards in services provided to PwDs.