The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), has taken a significant step towards strengthening the rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities in India. In a landmark initiative, DEPwD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nipman Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) to launch the Breaking Barriers Fellowship, a program dedicated to enhancing policy support and effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
The MoU was officially signed by Ashish Thakare, Director, DEPwD, MoSJE; Nipun Malhotra, Founder, Nipman Foundation; and Rohit Kumar, Co-Founder, YLAC. This collaboration marks a crucial effort in bridging the gap between policymaking and on-ground implementation, empowering both professionals and the disability rights movement in India.
What is the Breaking Barriers Fellowship?
The Breaking Barriers Fellowship is a structured program designed to place young professionals across DEPwD offices. These fellows will work directly with policymakers and administrators to provide research, data support, and fresh perspectives for strengthening policy decisions concerning persons with disabilities.
The program focuses on improving the implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016, which mandates equal opportunities, accessibility, and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities across India. Through this fellowship, the DEPwD aims to bring innovation, accountability, and inclusivity to the policy process.
Transparent Selection and Accountability
The selection of fellows for the Breaking Barriers Fellowship will be merit-based and transparent, ensuring that only the most qualified and motivated professionals join the initiative. Selected fellows will be responsible for quarterly reporting to track progress, outcomes, and measurable impact.
To ensure data protection and integrity, fellows will also comply with the confidentiality requirements under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. This safeguards sensitive information while fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
Strengthening Disability Rights in India
With more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India, as per the Census 2011, the need for strong institutional support and effective policy execution is greater than ever. The Breaking Barriers Fellowship not only empowers young professionals but also builds long-term capacity within DEPwD to drive systemic change.
By involving civil society organizations like the Nipman Foundation, which has been at the forefront of disability advocacy, and YLAC, known for grooming young leaders in civic engagement, the initiative brings diverse expertise and perspectives to the disability inclusion movement.
A Step Towards Inclusive Governance
Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized that this partnership reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and social justice. The Breaking Barriers Fellowship is expected to play a key role in bridging policy gaps, ensuring better enforcement of the RPwD Act, and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities in the policymaking process.
This MoU demonstrates how collaborative efforts between the government, foundations, and civic organizations can create a scalable, impactful model for disability rights in India.
