Constitutional Provisions

Article 41

Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases, provides: “The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want.”

Eleventh Schedule to Article 243-G and Twelfth Schedule to Article 243-W

Eleventh Schedule to Article 243-G and Twelfth Schedule to Article 243-W, which pertain to the powers and responsibilities of the Panchayats and Municipalities respectively with respect to implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice, include welfare and safeguarding the interests of Persons with Disabilities among other weaker sections of the society. The relevant extracts of the said schedules are:

  • Eleventh Schedule to Article 243-G: “Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded.” (Entry No. 26).
  • Twelfth Schedule to Article 243-W: “Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded.” (Entry No. 09)