The Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been constituted under Section 19 of the Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2022, which repealed the earlier legislation, the Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981. This transition marks a significant step towards a more inclusive, rights-based framework for persons with disabilities in Punjab.
The CRPD serves as a high-level advisory and oversight body aimed at ensuring the protection, promotion, and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities in line with modern legislative standards and international commitments. The council is responsible for guiding policy formulation, reviewing implementation mechanisms, and ensuring that all relevant departments and institutions adopt inclusive practices.
Comprising 28 members, the council represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, and representatives from civil society. The Provincial Minister for Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal serves as the Chairperson of the council, providing strategic leadership and direction.
The key functions of the CRPD include monitoring the implementation of disability-related policies and programs, advising the government on necessary reforms, promoting accessibility and inclusion across sectors, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It also plays a crucial role in coordination among departments to ensure a unified and effective approach toward disability empowerment.
Through this institutional mechanism, the Government of Punjab aims to create an enabling environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of social, economic, and public life with dignity and equal opportunity.