The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill 2016, which replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995.


Moving the bill, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawar Chand Gehlot said the number of categories of differently-abled have been increased from seven to 21 so that the Divyangs could get the benefits of various schemes at the Centre and State level.


The bill also seeks to enhance reservation for Divyangs in government jobs from three percent to four percent.


He said there is also a provision for setting up of advisory boards at national and state levels.


The Rajya Sabha had passed the bill on Tuesday after a brief discussion.