Acts and Rules on Prevention of Atrocities and Protection of Civil Rights

(i) PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES ACT

THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989
(Act No. 33 of 1989)

An Act to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against the members of the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, to provide for Special Courts for the trial of such
offences and for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of such offences and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fortieth Year of the Republic of India as follows: -

CHAPTER I
Preliminary
1. (1) This Act may be called the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Short title,
extent and (2) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and
commence Kashmir.
ment. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires. —

(a) “Atrocity” means an offence punishable under Section 3;
Definition.
(b) “Code” means the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
(c) “Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes” shall have the meanings assigned
to them respectively under clause (24) and clause (25) of Article 366 of the
Constitution;
(d) “Special Court” means a Court of Session specified as a Special Court in
section 14;
(e) “Special Public Prosecutor” means a Public Prosecutor specified as a
Special Public Prosecutor or an advocate referred to in section 15;
(f) Words and expressions used but not defined in this Act and defined in Code
or the Indian Penal Code shall have the meanings assigned to them
respectively in the Code, or as the case may be, in the Indian Penal Code.
(45 of 1860).

(2) Any reference in this Act to any enactment or any provision thereof shall, in relation to an
area in which such enactment or such provision is not in force, be construed as a reference to the
corresponding law, if any, in force in that area.

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 CHAPTER-II
Offences of Atrocities

1. (1) Whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe: -

2.
Punishments
for offences (i) forces a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to
of atrocities drink or eat any inedible or obnoxious substance;

(ii) acts with intent to cause injury, insult or annoyance to any member of Scheduled
Caste or a Scheduled Tribe by dumping excreta, waste matter, carcasses or any other obnoxious
substance in his premises or neighborhood;

(iii) forcibly removes clothes from the person of a member of a Scheduled Caste or a
Scheduled Tribe or parades him naked or with painted face or body or commits any similar act
which is derogatory to human dignity;

(iv) wrongfully occupies or cultivates any land owned by, or allotted to, or notified by
any competent authority to be allotted to, a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe
or gets the land allotted to him transferred;

(v) wrongfully dispossesses a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe from

his land or premises or interferes with the enjoyment of his rights over any land, premises or
water;

(vi) compels or entices a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to ‘beggar’

or other similar forms of forced or bonded labour other than any compulsory service for public
purposes instructed by Government;

(vii) forces or intimidates a member of a Scheduled caste or a Scheduled Tribe not to

vote or to vote a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law;

(viii) institutes false, malicious or vexatious suit or criminal or other legal proceedings
against a member of a Scheduled Caste or a
Scheduled Tribe;
(ix) gives any false or frivolous information to any public servant and thereby causes
such public servant to use his lawful power to the injury or annoyance of a member of a
Scheduled caste or a Scheduled Tribe;
(x) intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a
member of a Scheduled caste or a Scheduled Tribe in any place within public view;

(xi) assaults or uses force to any woman belonging to a Scheduled

Caste or a Scheduled Tribe with intent to dishonour or outrage her modesty;
(xii) being in a position to dominate the will of a woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste
or a Scheduled Tribe and uses that position to exploit her sexually, to which she would not have
otherwise agreed;

(xiii) corrupts or fouls the water of any spring, reservoir or any other source ordinarily
used by members of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes so as to render it less fit for
the purpose for which it is ordinarily used;

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 (xiv) denies a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe any customary right of
passage to a place of public resort or obstructs such member so as to prevent him from using or
having access to a place of public resort to which other members of public or any section thereof
have a right to use or access to;
(xv) forces or causes a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled
Tribe to leave his house village or other place of residence

shall be punishable with imprisonment for term which shall not be less thansix months
butwhich may extend to five years and with fine.

(2) Whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe: -

(i) gives or fabricates false evidence intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be

likely that he will thereby cause, any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to be
convicted of an offence which is capital by the law for the time being in force shall be punished
with imprisonment for life and with fine; and if an innocent member of a Scheduled caste or
Scheduled Tribe be convicted and executed in consequence of such false or fabricated evidence,
the person who gives or fabricates such false evidence, shall be punished with death;

(ii) gives or fabricates false evidence intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be

likely that he will thereby cause, any member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe to be
convicted of an offence which is not capital but punishable with imprisonment for a term of
seven years or upwards, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than six months but which may extend to seven years or upwards and with fine;

(iii) commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause or knowing
it to be likely that he will thereby cause damage to any property belonging to a member of a
Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years and with fine;

(iv) commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause or knowing
it to be likely that he will thereby cause destruction of any building which is ordinarily used as a
place of worship or as a place for human dwelling or as a place for custody of the property by a
member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, shall be punishable with imprisonment for
life and with fine;

(v) commits any offence under the Indian Penal Code punishable with imprisonment for
a term of ten years or more against a person or property on the ground that such person is a
member of a Scheduled caste or Scheduled Tribe or such property belongs to such member, shall
be punishable with imprisonment for life and with fine; 45 of 1860

(vi) knowingly or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed under this
Chapter, causes any evidence of the commission of that offence to disappear with the intention
of screening the offender from legal punishment, or with that intention gives any information
respecting the offence which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punishable with the
punishment provided for that offence; or

(vii) being a public servant, commits any offence under this section, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term, which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to the
punishment provided for that offence.

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 4. Whoever, being a public servant but not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or a
Scheduled Tribe, willfully neglects his duties required to be performed by him
Punishment
for neglect of
under this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not
duties be less than six months but which may extend to one year.

5. Whoever having already been convicted of an offence under this Chapter is

convicted for the second offence or any offence subsequent to the
Enhanced
punishment of second offence, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
or subsequent which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to the
conviction punishment provided for that offence.

6. Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the provisions of section 34, Chapter III,
Chapter IV, Chapter V, Chapter VA, section 149 and Chapter XXIII
Application
of certain of the Indian Penal Code, shall, so far as may be, apply for the
provisions of purposes of this Act as they apply for the purposes of the Indian
Indian Penal Penal Code.
Code. 45 of 1860

7. (1) Where a person has been convicted of any offence punishable under this
Chapter, the Special Court may, in addition to awarding any
Forfeiture of
punishment, by order in writing, declare that any property, moveable or
property of
certain immovable or both, belonging to the person, which has been used for the
persons. commission of that offence, shall stand forfeited to Government.
(2) Where any person is accused of any offence under this Chapter, it shall be open to the
Special Court trying him to pass an order that all or any of the properties, moveable or
immovable or both, belonging to him, shall, during the period of such trial, be attached, and
where such trial ends in conviction, the property so attached shall be liable to forfeiture to the
extent it is required for the purpose of realisation of any fine imposed under this Chapter.

8. In a prosecution for an offence under this Chapter, if it is proved that—

(a) the accused rendered any financial assistance to a person accused
Presumption of, or reasonably suspected of, committing an offence under this
of offences
Chapter, the Special Court shall presume, unless the contrary is proved, that
such person had abetted the offence;
(b) a group of persons committed an offence under this Chapter and if it is
proved that the offence committed was a sequel to any existing dispute
regarding land or any other matter, it shall be presumed that the offence was
committed in furtherance of the common intention or in prosecution of the
common object.

9. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code or in any other provision of

this Act, the State Government may, if it considers it necessary or
Conferment of expedient so to do-
powers
(a) for the prevention of and for coping with any offence
under this Act, or
(b) for any case or class or group of cases under this Act,
in any district or part thereof, confer, by notification in the Official Gazette, on any officer of the
State Government, the powers exercisable by a police officer under the Code in such district or
part thereof or, as the case may be, for such case or class or group of cases, and in particular, the
powers of arrest, investigation and prosecution of persons before any Special Court.

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 (2) All officers of police and all other officers of Government shall assist the officer referred
to in sub-section (1) in the execution of the provisions of this Act or any rule, scheme or order
made thereunder.
(3) The provisions of the Code shall, so far as may be, apply to the exercise of the powers by
an officer under sub-section (1).

CHAPTER- III
Externment
10. (1) Where the Special Court is satisfied, upon a complaint or a police report that
a person is likely to commit an offence under Chapter II of this Act in
Removal of any area included in the ‘Scheduled Areas’ or ‘Tribal areas’, as referred
persons
likely to
to in article 244 of the Constitution, it may, by order in writing, direct such
commit person to remove himself beyond the limits of such area, by such route and
offence within such time as may be specified in the order, and not to return to that area
from which he was directed to
remove himself for such period, not exceeding two years, as may be specified in the order.
(2) The Special Court shall, along with the order under sub-section (1), communicate to the
person directed under that sub-section the grounds on which such order has been made.
(3) The Special Court may revoke or modify the order made under sub-section (1), for the
reasons to be recorded in writing, on the representation made by the person against whom such
order has been made or by any other person on his behalf within thirty days from the date of the
order.

11. (1) If a person to whom a direction has been issued under section 10 to remove
Procedure on
himself from any area—
failure of person to
remove himself (a) fails to remove himself as directed; or
from an area and
enter thereon after (b) having so removed himself enters such area within the period
removal
specified in the order,
otherwise than with the permission in writing of the Special Court under sub-section (2), the
Special Court may cause him to be arrested and removed in police custody to such place outside
such area as the Special Court may specify.

(2) The Special Court may, by order in writing, permit any person in respect of whom an
order under section 10 has been made, to return to the area from which he was directed to
remove himself for such temporary period and subject to such conditions as may be specified in
such order and may require him to execute a bond with or without surety for the due observance
of the conditions imposed.

(3) The Special Court may at any time revoke any such permission.

(4) Any person who, with such permission returns to the area from which he was
directed to remove himself shall observe the conditions imposed, and at the expiry of the
temporary period for which he was permitted to return, or on the revocation of such permission
before the expiry of such temporary period, shall remove himself outside such area and shall not
return thereto within the unexpired portion specified under section 10 without a fresh
permission.

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 (5) If a person fails to observe any of the conditions imposed or to remove himself
accordingly or having so removed himself enters or returns to such area without fresh
permission the Special Court may cause him to be arrested and removed in police custody to
such place outside such area as the Special Court may specify.

12. (1) Every person against whom an order has been made under section 10 shall, if
so required by the Special Court, allow his measurements and
Taking photographs to be taken by a police officer.
measurements (2) If any person referred to in sub-section (1), when required to allow his
and photographs measurements or photographs to be taken, resists or refuses to allow the
etc., of persons
taking of such measurements or photographs, it shall be lawful to use all
against whom
orders u/s 10 is necessary means to secure the taking thereof.
made.
(3) resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements or photographs
under sub-section (2) shall be deemed to be an offence
under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code. 45 of 1860

(4) Where an order under section 10 is revoked, all measurements and photographs
(including negatives) taken under sub-section (2) shall be destroyed or made over to the person
against whom such order is made.

13. Any person contravening a order of the Special Court made under section 10 shall be
Penalty for non-compliance of punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
orders u/s 10. one year and with fine.

CHAPTER –IV
Special Courts
14. For the purpose of providing for speedy trial, the State Government shall, with the
concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification in the Official
Special
Court
Gazette, specify for each district a Court of Session to be a Special Court1 to try
the offences under this Act.

15. For every Special Court, the State Government shall by notification in the Official
Gazette, specify a Public Prosecutor or appoint an advocate who has been in
Special practice as an advocate for not less than seven years, as a Special Public
Public
Prosecutor2 for the purpose of conducting cases in that Court.
prosecutor

1
Declared by the State Govt vide Notification No. 2974-J dated, Calcutta the 15th Feb, 1990 of Judicial Department.
2
Specified by the State Govt. vide Notification No. 3280-J dated the 16th Feb, 1990 of Judicial Department
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 CHAPTER – V

Miscellaneous

16. The provisions of section 10A of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 shall, so
Powers of state Govt to
far as may be, apply for the purpose of imposition and realisation of
impose collective fine collective fine and for all other matters connected
therewith under this Act.
22 of 1955

17. (1) A District Magistrate or a Sub-divisional Magistrate or any other Executive

Magistrate or any police officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent
Preventive of Police may, on receiving information and after such inquiry as he may think
action to necessary, has reason to believe that a person or a group of persons not
be taken belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes, residing in or
by the law frequenting any place within the local limits of his jurisdiction is likely to commit
and order
machinery
an offence or has threatened to commit any offence under this Act and is of the
opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding, declare such an area to
be an area prone to atrocities and take necessary action for keeping the peace and good
behaviour and maintenance of public order and tranquility and may take preventive action.

(2) The provisions of Chapters VIII, X and XI of the Code shall, so far as may be, apply
for the purposes of sub-section (1).

(3) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make one or more
schemes specifying the manner in which the officers referred to in sub-section (1) shall take
appropriate action specified in such scheme or schemes to prevent atrocities and to restore the
feeling of security amongst the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

18. Nothing in section 438 of the Code shall apply in relation to any case involving
Section 438 not to apply to persons the arrest of any person on an accusation of having
committing an offence under the Act. committed an offence under this Act.

19. The provisions of section 360 of the Code and the provisions of the Probation of
Section 360 of the Act or the Offenders Act, 1958 shall not apply to any person above the age of
Probation of Offender's Act eighteen years who is found guilty of having committed an offence
not to apply to persons guilty under this Act.
of an offence under that Act
20. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of this Act shall have effect
Act to override other notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other
laws law for the time being in force or any custom or
usage or any instrument having effect by virtue of any such law.

21. (1) Subject to such rules as the Central Government may make in this behalf, the
Duty of the Govt
State Government shall take such measures as may be necessary for the effective
to ensure implementation of this Act.
effective
implementation (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing
of the Act
provisions, such measures may include, -

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 (i) the provision for adequate facilities, including legal aid, to the persons subjected to
atrocities to enable them to avail themselves of justice;

(ii) the provisions for travelling and maintenance expenses to witnesses, including the
victims of atrocities, during investigation and trial of offences under this Act;

(iii) the provisions for the economic and social rehabilitation of the victims of the
atrocities;
(iv) the appointment of officers for initiating or exercising supervision over prosecutions
for the contravention of the provisions of this Act;

(v) the setting up of committees at such appropriate levels as the State government may
think fit to assist that Government in formulation or implementation of such
measures;

(vi) provisions for a periodic survey of the working of the provisions of this Act with a
view to suggesting measures for the better implementation of the provisions of this
Act;

(vii) the identification of the areas where the members of the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes are likely to be subjected to atrocities and adoption of such
measures so as to ensure safety for such members.

(3) The Central Government shall take such steps as may be necessary to co-ordinate the
measures taken by the State Governments under sub-section (1).

(4) The Central Government shall, every year, place on the table of each House of
Parliament a report on the measures taken by itself and by the State Governments in pursuance
of the provisions of this section.

22. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Central
Government or against the State Government or any officer or authority of
Protection of
action taken in Government or any other person for anything, which is in good faith done or
good faith intended to be done under this Act.

23. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make
Power to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
rules
(2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made,
before each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty
days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions,
and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the
successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the
rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter
have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so,
however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of anything previously done under that rule.

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 (ii) RULES ON PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES

THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF

ATROCITIES) RULES, 1995.

Govt. of India
Ministry of Welfare
New Delhi, the 31st March 1995

NOTIFICATION

G.S.R. 316(E). —In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 23 of the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989),
the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely: --

1. Short title and commencement.—(1) These rules may be called the Scheduled
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official
Gazette.
2. Definitions. —In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires: --
(a) “Act” means the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989 (33 of 1989);
(b) “dependent”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions,
includes wife, children, whether married or unmarried, dependent parents,
widowed sister, widow and children of pre-deceased son of a victim of atrocity;
(c) “identified area,” means such area where State Government has reason
to believe that atrocity may take place or there is an apprehension of reoccurrence
of an offence under the Act or an area prone to victim of atrocity;
(d) “Non-Government Organisation” means a voluntary organisation
engaged in the welfare activities relating to the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1866 (21 of
1960) or under any law for the registration of documents or such organisation for
the time being in force;
(e) “Schedule” means the Schedule annexed to these rules;
(f) “Section” means section of the Act;
(g) “State Government”, in relation to a Union Territory, means the
Administrator of that Union Territory appointed by the President under
Article 239 of the Constitution;
(h) Words and expressions used herein and not defined but defined in the
Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.

3. Precautionary and Preventive Measures. —

(1) With a view to prevent atrocities on the

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, the State Government shall: --
(i) identify the area where it has reason to believe that atrocity may take
place or there is an apprehension of reoccurrence of an offence under the Act;

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 (ii) order the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police or any other
officer to visit the identified area and review the law and order situation;
(iii) if deem necessary, in the identified area cancel the arms licences of the
persons, not being member of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes,
their near relations, servants or employees and family friends and get such arms
deposited in the Government Armoury;
(iv) seize all illegal fire arms and prohibit any illegal manufacture of fire arms
(v) with a view to ensure the safety of person and property, if deemed
necessary, provide arms licences to the members of the Scheduled Castes
and the Scheduled Tribes;
(vi) Constitute a high power State-level committee, district and divisional
level committees or such number of other committees as deem proper and
necessary for assisting the Government in implementation of the
provisions of the Act;
(vii) set-up a vigilance and monitoring committee to suggest effective
measures to implement the provisions of the Act;
(viii) set-up Awareness Centres and organise Workshops in the identified area
or at some other place to educate the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes about their rights and the protection available to them under
the provisions of various Central and State enactments or rules, regulations and
schemes framed thereunder;
(ix) encourage Non-Government Organisations for establishing and
maintaining Awareness Centres and organising Workshops and provide them
necessary financial and other sort of assistance;
(x) deploy special police force in the identified area;
(xi) by the end of every quarter, review the law and order situation, function-
ing of different committees, performance of Special Public Prosecutors,
Investigating Officers and other Officers responsible for implementing the
provisions of the Act and the cases registered under the Act.

4. SUPERVISION OF PROSECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF REPORT: -

(1) The State Government on the recommendation of the District Magistrate shall
prepare for each District a panel of such number of eminent senior advocates who
has been in practice for not less than seven years, as it may deem necessary for
conducting cases in the Special Courts. Similarly, in consultation with the
Director Prosecution/ in-charge of the prosecution, a panel of such number of
Public Prosecutors as it may deem necessary for conducting cases in the Special
Courts, shall also be specified. Both these panels shall be notified in the Official
Gazette of the State and shall remain in force for a period of three years.
(2) The District Magistrate and the Director of Prosecution/in-charge of the
prosecution shall review at least twice in a calendar year, in the month of January
and July, the performance of Special Public Prosecutors so specified or appointed
and submit a report to the State Government.
(3) If the State Government is satisfied or has reason to believe that a Special Public
Prosecutor so appointed or specified has not conducted the case to the best of the
ability and with due care and caution, his name may be, for reasons to be
recorded in writing, denotified.
(4) The District Magistrate and the officer-in-charge of the prosecution at the District
level, shall review the position of cases registered under the Act and submit a
monthly report on or before 20th day of each subsequent month to the Director of
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 Prosecution and the State Government. This report shall specify the actions
taken/proposed to be taken in respect of investigation and prosecution of each
case.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1) the District Magistrate or the
Sub-Divisional Magistrate may, if deem necessary or if so desired by the victims
of atrocity engage an eminent Senior Advocate for conducting cases in the
Special Courts on such payment of fee as he may consider appropriate.

(6) Payment of fee to the Special Public Prosecutor shall be fixed by the
State Government on a scale higher than the other panel advocates in the State.

5. INFORMATION TO POLICE OFFICER IN-CHARGE OF A POLICE STATION:

(1) Every information relating to the commission of an offence under the Act, if
given orally to an officer-in-charge of a police station shall be reduced to writing
by him or under his direction, and be read over to the informant, and every such
information, whether given in writing or reduced to writing as aforesaid, shall be
signed by the persons giving it, and the substance thereof shall be entered in a
book to be maintained by that police station.

(2) A copy of the information as so recorded under sub-rule (1) above shall be given
forthwith, free of cost, to the informant.

(3) Any person aggrieved by a refusal on the part of an officer in-charge of a police
station to record the information referred to in sub-rule (1) may send the
substance of such information, in writing and by post, to the Superintendent of
Police concerned who after investigation either by himself or by a police officer
not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, shall make an order in
writing to the officer in-charge of the concerned police station to enter the
substance of that information to be entered in the book to be maintained by that
police station.
6. Spot inspection by officers. —
(1) Whenever the District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other
Executive Magistrate or any police officer not below the rank of Deputy
Superintendent of Police receives an information from any person or upon his
own knowledge that an atrocity has been committed on the members of the
Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes within his jurisdiction, he shall
immediately himself visit the place of occurrence to assess the extent of atrocity,
loss of life, loss and damage to the property and submit a report forthwith to the
State Government.

(2) The District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive
Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police/Deputy Superintendent of Police
after inspecting the place or area shall on the spot: --
(i) draw a list of victims, their family members and dependents entitled for
relief;
(ii) prepare a detailed report of the extent of atrocity loss and damage to
the property of the victims;
(iii) order for intensive police patrolling in the area;
(iv) take effective and necessary steps to provide protection to the witnesses
and other sympathisers of the victims;
(v) provide immediate relief to the victims;
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 7. INVESTIGATING OFFICER:

(1) An offence committed under the Act shall be investigated by a police

officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police. The
investigating officer shall be appointed by the State Government/Director
General of Police/Superintendent of Police after taking into account his past
experience, sense of ability and justice to perceive the implications of the case
and investigate it along with right lines within the shortest possible time.

(2) The investigating officer so appointed under sub-rule (1) shall complete the
investigation on top priority within thirty days and submit the report to the
Superintendent of Police who in turn will immediately forward the report to the
Director General of Police of the State Government.

(3) The Home Secretary and the Social Welfare Secretary to the State Government,
Director of Prosecution, the officer in-charge of Prosecution and the Director
General of Police shall review by the end of every quarter the position of all
investigations done by the investigating officer.

8. SETTING UP OF THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES PROTECTION

CELL:
(1) The State Government shall set up a Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
Protection Cell at the State head quarter under the charge of Director of Police/Inspector General
of Police. This Cell shall be responsible for: --
(i) conducting survey of the identified area;

(ii) maintaining public order and tranquility in the identified area;

(iii) recommending to the State Government for deployment of special

police force or establishment of special police post in the identified
area;
(iv) making investigations about the probable causes leading to an
offence under the Act;
(v) restoring the feeling of security amongst the members of the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes;
(vi) informing the nodal officer and special officer about the law and
order situation in the identified area;

(vii) making enquiries about the investigation and spot inspections

conducted by various officers;

(viii) making enquiries about the action taken by the Superintendent of

Police in the cases where an officer in-charge of the police station
has refused to enter an information in a book to be maintained by
that police station under sub-rule (3) of rule 5;
(ix) making enquiries about the willful negligence by a public servant;
(x) reviewing the position of cases registered under the Act; and
(xi) submitting a monthly report on or before 20th day of each subsequent
month to the State Government/nodal officer about the action
taken/proposed to be taken in respect of the above.

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9. NOMINATION OF NODAL OFFICER:

The State Government shall nominate a nodal officer of the level of a Secretary
to the State Government preferably belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled
Tribes, for coordinating the functioning of the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police
or other officers authorised by them investigating officers and other officers responsible for
implementing the provisions of the Act. By the end of the every quarter, the nodal officer shall
review: --
(i) the reports received by the State Government under sub-rule (2) and (4) of rule 4, rule
6,
clause (xi) of rule 8.
(ii) the position of cases registered under the Act;
(iii) law and order situation in the identified area;
(iv) various kinds of measures adopted for providing immediate relief in cash or kind or
both to the victims of atrocity or his or her dependent;
(v) adequacy of immediate facilities like rationing, clothing, shelter, legal aid, travelling
allowance, daily allowance and transport facilities provided to the victim of atrocity or his/her
dependents;
(vi) performance of non-Governmental organizations, the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes Protection Cell, various committees and the public servants responsible for
implementing the provisions of the Act.

10. APPOINTMENT OF A SPECIAL OFFICER:

In the identified area a Special Officer not below the rank of an Additional District
Magistrate shall be appointed to co-ordinate with the District Magistrate, Superintendent of
Police or other officers responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act, various
committees and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Protection Cell.
The Special Officer shall be responsible for;
(i) providing immediate relief and other facilities to the victims of atrocity and initiate
necessary measures to prevent or avoid re-occurrence of atrocity;
(ii) setting up an awareness centre and organising workshop in the identified area or at
the district head quarters to educate the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes about their rights and the protection available to them under the provisions of
various Central and State enactments or rules and schemes etc. framed therein;
(iii) coordinating with the Non-Governmental organisations and providing necessary
facilities and financial and other type of assistance to non-Governmental Organisation for
maintaining centers or organising workshops;
11. TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE, DAILY ALLOWANCE, MAINTENANCE EXPENSES AND
TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO THE VICTIM OF ATROCITY, HIS OR HER DEPENDENT AND
WITNESSES:

(1) Every victim of atrocity or his/her dependent and witnesses shall be paid to and fro
rail fare by second class in express/mail/passenger train or actual bus or taxi fare
from his or her place of residence or place of stay to the place of investigation or
hearing of trial of an offence under the Act.

(2) The District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive
Magistrate shall make necessary arrangements for providing transport facilities or
reimbursement of full payment thereof to the victims of atrocity and witnesses for visiting the
investigating officer, Superintendent of Police/Deputy Superintendent of Police, District
Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate.

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 (3) Every woman witness, the victim of atrocity or her dependent being a woman or a minor, a
person more than sixty years of age and a person having 40 percent or more disability shall be
entitled to be accompanied by an attendant of her/ his choice. The attendant shall also be paid
travelling and maintenance expenses as applicable to the witness or the victim of atrocity when
called upon during hearing, investigation and trial of an offence under the Act.

(4) The witness, the victims of atrocity or his/her dependent and the attendant shall be
paid daily maintenance expenses, for the days he/she is away from the place of his/her residence
or stay during investigation, hearing and trial of an offence, at such rates but not less than the
minimum wages, as may be fixed by the State Government for the agricultural labourers.
(5) In addition to daily maintenance expenses the witness, the victim of atrocity (or
his/her dependent) and the attendant shall also be paid diet expenses at such rates as may be
fixed by the state Government from time to time.
(6) The payment of travelling allowance, daily allowance, maintenance expenses and
reimbursement of transport facilities shall be made immediately or not later than three days by
the District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate to the
victims their dependents/attendant and witnesses for the days they visit the investigating officer
or in-charge police station or hospital authorities or Superintendent of Police/Deputy
Superintendent of Police or District Magistrate or any other officer concerned or the Special
Court.

(7) When an offence has been committed under Section 3 of the Act, the District
Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate shall reimburse
the payment of medicines, special medical consultation, blood transfusion, replacement of
essential clothing, meals and fruits provided to the victim(s) of atrocity.

12. MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION:

(1) The District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police shall visit the place or area
where the atrocity has been committed to assess the loss of life and damage to the property and
draw a list of victims, their family members and dependents entitled for relief.

(2) Superintendent of Police shall ensure that the First Information Report is registered in
the book of the concerned police station and effective measures for apprehending the accused
are taken.
(3) The Superintendent of Police, after spot inspection, shall immediately appoint an
investigation officer and deploy such police force in the area and take such other preventive
measures as he may deem proper and necessary.

(4) The District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive
Magistrate shall make arrangements for providing immediate relief in cash or in kind or both to
the victims of atrocity, their family members and dependents according to the scale as in the
schedule annexed to these Rules (Annexure-I read with Annexure-II). Such immediate relief
shall also include food, water, clothing, shelter, medical aid, transport facilities and other
essential items necessary for human beings.

Take me to schedule for Scale of relief

(5) The relief provided to the victim of the atrocity or his/her dependent under sub-rule
(4) in respect of death, or injury to, or damage to property shall be in addition to any other right
to claim compensation in respect thereof under any other law for the time being in force.

204
 (6) The relief and rehabilitation facilities mentioned in sub-rule (4) above shall be
provided by the District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any other Executive
Magistrate in accordance with the scales provided in the Schedule annexed to these rules.

(7) A report of the relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims shall also be
forwarded to the Special Court by the District Magistrate or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or the
Executive Magistrate or Superintendent of Police. In case the Special Court is satisfied that the
payment of relief was not made to the victim or his/her dependent in time or the amount of relief
or compensation was not sufficient or only a part of payment of relief or compensation was
made, it may order for making in full or part the payment of relief or any other kind of
assistance.

13. SELECTION OF OFFICERS AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS FOR COMPLETING THE WORK
RELATING TO ATROCITY:

(1) The State Government shall ensure that the administrative officers and other staff
members to be appointed in an area prone to atrocity shall have the right aptitude and
understanding of the problems of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

(2) It shall also be ensured by the State Government that person from the Scheduled
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are adequately represented in the administration and in
the police force at all levels, particularly at the level of police posts and police station.

14. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT:

The State Government shall make necessary provisions in its annual budget for providing
relief and rehabilitation facilities to the victims of atrocity. It shall review at least twice in a
calendar year, in the month of January and July the performance of the Special Public Prosecutor
specified or appointed under Section 15 of the Act, various reports received, investigation made
and preventive steps taken by the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and
Superintendent of Police, relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims and the
reports in respect of lapses on behalf of the concerned officers.
15. CONTINGENCY PLAN BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT:

(1) The State Government shall prepare a model contingency plan for implementing
the provisions of the Act and notify the same in the Official Gazette of the State
Government. It should specify the role and responsibility of various departments
and their officers at different levels, the role and responsibility of Rural/Urban
Local Bodies and Non-Government Organizations. Inter alia, this plan shall
contain a package of relief measures including the following: -

(a) scheme to provide immediate relief in cash or in kind or both;

(b) allotment of agricultural land and house sites

(c) the rehabilitation packages;

(d) scheme for employment in Government or Government undertaking to the

dependent or one of the family members of the victim;

(e) pension scheme for widows, dependant children of the deceased, handicapped or
old age victims of atrocity;

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 (f) mandatory compensation for the victims;
(g) scheme for strengthening the socio-economic condition of the victim;
(h) provisions for providing brick/stone masonry house to the victims;
(i) such other elements as health care, supply of essential commodities,
electrification, adequate drinking water facility, burial/cremation ground and link
roads to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes habitats.
(2) The State Government shall forward a copy of the contingency plan or a summary
thereof and a copy of the scheme, as soon as may be, to the Central Government in
the Ministry of Welfare and to all the District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional
Magistrates, Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police.

16. CONSTITUTION OF STATE-LEVEL VIGILANCE AND MONITORING COMMITTEE:

(1) The State Government shall constitute a high power vigilance and monitoring
committee of not more than 25 members consisting of the following:
(i) Chief Minister/Administrator—Chairman;
(In case of a State under President’s Rule, Governor—Chairman)
(ii) Home Minister, Finance Minister and Welfare Minister—Members.
(In case of a State under President’s Rule, Advisors—Members);
(iii) all elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assembly and
Legislative Council from the State belonging to the Scheduled Castes
and the Scheduled Tribe—Members;
(iv) Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, the Director General of Police,
Director/Deputy Director, National Commission for the Scheduled
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes—Members;
(v) The Secretary in-charge of the Welfare and Development of the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes—Convener;
(2) The high power vigilance and monitoring committee shall meet at least twice in a
calendar year, in the month of January and July to review the implementation of
the provisions of the Act, relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the
victims and other matters connected therewith, prosecution of cases under the
Act, role of different officers/agencies responsible for implementing the
provisions of the Act and various reports received by the State Government.

17. CONSTITUTION OF DISTRICT LEVEL VIGILANCE AND MONITORING COMMITTEE:

(1) In each district within the State, the District Magistrate shall set up a vigilance and
monitoring committee in his district to review the implementation of the provisions of
the Act, relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims and other matters
connected therewith, prosecution of cases under the Act, role of different
officers/agencies responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act and various
reports received by the District Administration.

(2) The district level vigilance and monitoring committee shall consist of the elected
Members of the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council,
Superintendent of Police, three group ‘A’ officers/Gazetted officers of the State
Government belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, not more than
5 non-official members belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
and not more than 3 members from the categories other than the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes having association with Non-Government Organisations. The
District Magistrate and District Social Welfare Officer shall be Chairman and Member-
Secretary respectively.

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 (3) The district level committee shall meet at least once in three months.

18. MATERIAL FOR ANNUAL REPORT:

The State Government shall every year, before the 31st March, forward the report to the
Central Government about the measures taken for implementing provisions of the Act and
various schemes/plans framed by it during the previous calendar year.

ANNEXURE I

Schedule

[See Rule 12(4)]

NORMS FOR RELIEF AMOUNT

Name of offence Minimum amount of relief

1. Drink or eat inedible or obnoxious Rs. 25,000 or more depending upon the
substance [Section 3(1)(i)]. nature and gravity of the offence to each
victim and also commensurate with the
2. Causing injury insult or annoyance indignity, insult, injury and defamation
[Section 3(1)(ii)]. suffered by the victim.
Payment to be made as follows:
3. Derogatory Act [Section 3(1)(iii)]. I. 25% when the charge sheet is
sent to the court.
II. 75% when accused are
convicted by the lower court.
4. Wrongful occupation or cultivation of At least Rs. 25,000 or more depending
land, etc. [Section 3(1)(iv)]. upon the nature and gravity of the
offence. The land/premises/water supply
5. Relating to land, premises and water shall be restored where necessary at
[Section 3(1)(v)]. Government cost. Full payment to be
made when charge sheet is sent to the
Court.
6. Beggar or forced or bonded labour At least Rs. 25,000 to each victim,
[Section 3(1)(vi)]. payment of 25% at FIR stage and 75% on
conviction in the lower court.
7. Relating to right to franchise [Section Up to Rs. 20,000 to each victim
3(1)(vii). depending upon the nature and gravity of
the offence.
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8. False, malicious or vexatious legal Rs. 25,000 or reimbursement of actual
proceedings [Section 3(1)(viii)]. legal expenses and damages or whichever
is less after conclusion of the trial of the
9. False and frivolous information accused.
[Section 3(1)(ix)].

10. Insult, intimidation and humiliation Up to Rs. 25,000 to each victim

[Section 3(1)(x)]. depending upon the nature of the offence.
Payment of 25% when charge sheet is
sent to the court and rest on conviction.

11. Outraging the modesty of a woman Rs. 50,000 to each victim of the
[Section 3(1)(xi)]. offence. 50% of the amount may be paid
after medical examination and remaining
12. Sexual exploitation of a woman 50% at the conclusion of the trial.
[Section 3(1)(xii)].
13. Fouling of water [Section 3(1)(xiii)]. Up to Rs. 1,00,000 or full cost of
restoration of normal facility, including
cleaning when the water is fouled.
Payment may be made at the stage as
deemed fit by District Administration.

14. Denial of customary rights of passage Up to Rs. 1,00,000 or full cost of

[Section 3(1)(xiv)]. restoration of right of passage and full
compensation of the loss suffered, if any.
Payment of 50% when charge sheet is
sent to the court and 50% on conviction
in lower court.

15. Making one desert place of residence Restoration of the site/right to stay and
[Section 3(1)(xv)]. compensation of Rs. 25,000 to each
victim and reconstruction of the house at
Govt. cost, if destroyed, to be paid in full
when charge sheet is sent to the lower
court.
16. Giving false evidence [Section 3(2)(i) At least Rs. 1,00,000 or full
and (ii)]. compensation of the loss or harm
sustained. 50% to be paid when charge
sheet is sent to court and 50% on
conviction by the lower court.
17. Committing offences under the Indian At least Rs. 50,000 depending upon
Penal Code punishable with the nature and gravity of the offence to
imprisonment for a term of 10 years each victim and or his dependents. The
or more [Section 3(2)]. amount would vary if specifically
otherwise provided in the Schedule.
18. Victimization at the hands of a public Full compensation on account of
servant [Section 3(2)(vii)]. damages or loss or harm sustained. 50%
to be paid when charge sheet is sent to the
Court and 50% on conviction by lower
court.

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19. Disability. The definitions of physical
& mental disabilities are contained in
the Ministry of Welfare, G.O.I.
notification No. 4-2/83—HW.III
dated 06.08.1986 as amended from
time to time. A copy of the
notification is at Annexure – II.
(a) 100% incapacitation. At least Rs.1, 00,000 to each victim of
(j) Non-earning Member of a offence. 50% on FIR and 25% at charge
family. sheet and 25% on conviction by the lower
court.
At least Rs. 2,00,000 to each victim of
(ii) Earning Member of a offence, 50% to be paid on FIR/Medical
family. examination stage, 25% when charge
sheet sent to court and 25% at conviction
in lower court.
The rates as laid down in a(i) and (ii)
(b) Where incapacitation is less than above shall be reduced in the same
100%. proportion, the stages of payments also
being the same. However, not less than
Rs. 15,000 to non-earning member and
not less than Rs. 30,000 to an earning
member of a family.
20. Murder/Death
(a) Non-earning Member of a At least Rs. 1,00,000 to each case.
family. Payment of 75% after postmortem and
25% on conviction by the lower court.
(b) Earning Member of a family. At least Rs. 2,00,000 to each case.
Payment of 75% after postmortem and
25% on conviction by the lower court.
21. Victim of murder, death, massacre, In addition to relief amounts paid
rape, mass rape and gang rape, under above items, relief may be arranged
permanent incapacitation and dacoity. within three months of date of atrocity as
follows: -
(i) Pension to each widow and/or
other dependents of deceased SC and
ST @ Rs. 1,000/- per month, or
Employment to one member of the
family of the deceased, or provision
of agricultural land, and house, if
necessary by outright purchase.
(ii) Full cost of the education and
maintenance of the children of the
victims. Children may be admitted to
Ashram Schools/residential schools.
(iii) Provision of utensils, rice, wheat,
dals, pulses, etc. for a period of three
months.
22. Complete destruction/burnt houses. Brick/stone masonry house to be
constructed or provided at Government
cost where it has been burnt or destroyed.

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 ANNEXURE-II
No.4-2/83-HW.III
GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
MINISTRY OF WELFARE
New Delhi, the 6th August 1986.

Subject: Union Definitions of the Physically Handicapped.

At present, different definitions for various categories of handicapped are adopted in

various schemes/programmes of the Central and State Governments. In order to have a standard
set of definitions, authorized certification authorities and standard tests for purpose of objective
certification, government of India in Ministry of Welfare set up three committees under the
Chairmanship of Director General of Health Services—one each in the area of visual handicaps,
speech and hearing disorders and locomotor disabilities and a separate Committee for mental
handicaps.

2. After having considered the reports of these committees and with the concurrence of the
State Governments/Uts and the concerned Ministries /Departments in undersigned is directed to
convey the approval of the President of notify the definitions of the following categories of
physically handicapped :-

1. Visually handicaps.
2. Locomotor handicaps.
3. Speech and hearing handicaps.
4. Mental handicaps.

Report of the Committee as indicated in the Annexure —I

3. Each category of handicapped persons has been divided into four groups viz. mild,
moderates, severe and profound/total. It has been decided that various concessions/benefits
would in future be available only to the moderate, severe and profound/total groups; and not to
the mild groups. The minimum degree of disability should be 40 per cent in order to be eligible
for any concession / benefits.

4. It has been decided that the authorized certifying authority will be a medical board at the
district level. The board will consist of the Chief Medical Officer/Sub-Dividional Medical
Officer in the District and another expert in the specified filed viz. ophthalmic surgeion in case
of visual handicaps, either an ENT Surgeon or an audiologist in case of speech and hearing
handicaps; an orthopaedic surgeon or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation in case
of locomotor handicaps, a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist or a teacher in special education
in case of mental handicaps.

5. Specified tests an indicated in Annexure should be conducted by the medical board and
recorded before a certificate is given.

6. The certificate would be valid for a period of three years.

7. The State Government / UT Administration may constitute the medical boards indicated
in Para 4 above immediately.

M.C. Narsimhan
Jt. Secy. to the Govt. of India.

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 ORDER

Ordered that the above notification be published in the Gazette of India for general
information. Copies of the Gazette notification may be sent to all Ministries/Deptt. of the Central
Govt. all State Govts. /UT Admn. President Sectt. P.M.’s Office, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Sectt.
for information and necessary action.

M. C. NARSIMHAN,
Jt. Secy. to the Govt. of India.

COMBINE REPORT OF THREE COMMITTEES RECOMMENDING UNIFORM SET OF

DEFINITIONS, AUTHORITIES FOR CERTIFICATION AND STANDARD TESTS FOR VISUAL.
HEARING AND SPEECH AND LOCOMOTOR DISABLING AND SPEECH AND LOCOMOTOR
DISABILITIES.

List of the Members of the Committees at Annexure I.

Introduction

India is a vast country with variable social, cultural, geographical and economic
background. Despite breakthrough in health services, a number of disabilities continue to appear
due to polio communicable and congenital diseases, increased industrialisation and
mechanisation vehicular traffic leading to locomotor disabilities; vitamin-A deficiency, cataract
and infectious injuries, nutritional deficiency leading to visual loss; ear infection, external
injuries, noise pollution contributing to hearing loss. These are the three major disabilities which
manifest themselves as a result of one or more of such factors.

2. Government of India are providing a large number of facilities and concessions to

disabled persons. In order to provide these facilities and concessions it is imperative that
standard definition of these disabilities is decided upon. Consequent to recommendation of the
National Council for Handicapped Welfare the Committees under the chairmanship of Director
General of Health Services met for the adoption of standard set of definitions, which should be
uniformly applicable through out the country.

The exercise of evolving a uniform set of definition should not be however construed to
mean that no definitions have been set forth at present. Definitions of these three major
disabilities, which are prevalent at present for extending various concessions and facilities to
handicapped are given in Annexure II.

Recommended Definitions

Physical impairment leads to functional limitation and functional limitation leads to

disability. Physical impairment, functional limitation and disability have been defined by WHO
and this Committee would recommend adopting this classification, which is as follows: -

(i) Impairment: An impairment is a permanent or transitory psychological or anatomical

loss and/or abnormality. For example, a missing or effective part, tissue organ or “Mechanism”
of the body such as an amputated limb, paralysis after polio, myocardial infarotion, cerebra
vascular thrombosis, restricted pulmonary capacity, diabetes myopia, disfigurement, mental
retardation, hypertension, perceptual disturbance.
211
(ii) Functional Limitation: Impairment may cause functional limitations which are the
partial or total inability to perform those activities necessary for motor, sensory, or
mental functions within the range and manner of which a human being is normally
capable such as walking, lifting loads, seeing, speaking, hearing, reading, writing,
counting, taking interest in and making contact with surroundings. A functional
limitation may last for a short time, a long time, be permanent or reversible. It should be
quantifiable whenever possible. Limitations may be described as “Progressive” or
“regressive”.

(iii) Disability: Disability is defined as an existing difficulty in performing one or more

activities which, in accordance with the subject’s age, sex and morative social role, are
generally accepted as essential, basic components of daily living, such as self-care, social
relations and economic activity. Depending in part on the duration of the functional
limitation disability may be short-term, long-term or permanent.

Medically, disability is physical impairment and inability to perform physical

functions normally. Legally,. disability is a permanent injury to body for which the
person should or should not be compensated.
The disability can be divided into 3 periods.
(i) Temporary total disability is that period in which the affected person is totally unable to
work. During this time he may receive orthopaedic, opthalmological auditory or speech
or any other medical treatment.
(ii) Temporary partial disability is that period when recovery has reached the stage of
improvement so that person may begin some kind of gainful occupation.
(iii) Permanent disability, applies to permanent damage or loss of use of some part/parts of
the body after the stage of maximum improvement from any medical treatment has been
reached and the condition is stationary.
The classifications & various concessions being recommended are for the permanent
disability only.
Evaluation and Assessment of Visual Disabilities.

The group recommended the classification of visual impairment/disability may be

categorised in four groups for considering various concessions to visually handicapped.
The question regarding one-eyed person was considered at length. The Committee is of
the view that the guidelines recommended for evaluation of visual loss of persons who have lost
one eye but have the other eye normal should be totally unambiguous. The Committee feels that
such persons may not be clubbed with other visually handicapped so that facilities/concessions
available to severely/profoundly visually handicapped and totally blind are not eroded. If one
eyed persons are clubbed with severely/profoundly visually handicapped and totally blind
persons, the Committee feels that most of the concessions especially jobs reserved for the blind
persons shall go to one-eyed persons as their visual loss is minimal compared to other 2
categories and in this manner most of the Government offices/public sector undertakings will be
fulfilling the quota but in actual practice will not be giving jobs to totally blind and persons with
severe visual loss. The Committee, however, feels that it should be made clear that loss of one
eye will not be considered as a disqualification on medical grounds unless a particular post is of
such a technical nature that it requires of a person the use of both the eyes or 3 dimensional
visions. The Committee also recommends that if a person has been declared unfit due to some
temporary visual loss/defect, it should not be construed to mean as disabled if such a temporary
impairment in the opinion of a Medical Board can be overcome with treatment or visual aids.

212
Guidelines for evaluation & categorization of visual disabilities are given in Appendix III.

2. Evaluation & Assessment of Hearing & Speech Disability.

The Committee recommended that the definitions, which are internationally accepted and
have been adopted by W.H.O., may be adopted in this country also for evaluation and
categorisation of hearing & speech loss.

The recommended classification and guidelines for evaluation of hearing loss are given
in Appendix II. The Committee also considered various facilities/concessions, which may be
given to hearing handicapped persons, and suggestions of the facilities, which may be offered, to
the hearing handicapped for rehabilitation are also given in Appendix II.

3. Evaluation & Assessment of Orthopaedic Disabilities.

The Committee recommends that Kessler’s method may be taken as a general guideline
for evaluating orthopaedic disability. Since issues have been raised regarding the quantification
of degree of disability the authorised Medical Board may also consult any other suitable method
and use Kessler’s method as a basic guideline.

The Committee is aware that there are other methods of quantification, which are at
variance with the Kessler’s guidelines. However, Kessler’s guidelines for evaluation of various
degrees of disability. It is expected, would hold good for most of the time. The individual
Medical Board could take into consideration other methods, which may help the board in
evaluating disability in an individual case.
The Authorities to give Certification.

A permanent disability certificate will be issued by a board duly constituted by the

Central and the State Governments. It is recommended that a Medical Board for evaluation of
disability should be available minimum at the district level. It is also recommended to have at
least 3 members in the board, out of which at least one should be a specialist in the particular
field for assessing locomotor/visual/hearing & speech disability as the case may be.

It is also recommended that the competent authority may also appoint an appellate
medical board to resolve any dispute.

Concessions/Facilities, which may be offered to Disabled Persons

Keeping in view the set of definitions and the categorisation being recommended,
various Ministries/Departments and the State Governments shall have to also specify the
facilities and concessions, which would be available to different categories of the handicapped.
The Committee recommends that if a person has the degree of disability below 40 per cent in a
particular category, no such benefits/concessions may be given to such a person. All other
categories may be extended concessions/facilities like scholarships, job reservation, aids and
appliances either free of cost or at concessional rates, conveyance allowance etc. For hearing
handicapped, the Committee recommends that 3-language formula may be revised so that the
hearing handicapped have to study one language only.

Ministry of Social & Women’s Welfare may make out proposals based on these
recommendations with the appropriate Ministry for necessary modifications in the policy of 3
language formula.

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 The Committee also recommended that Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may also
take up amending medical standards for necessary relaxations in respect of mild handicapped in
all the categories so that on account of their mild disability, they are not put in a position that
neither they are able to get the facility of job reservations nor are eligible otherwise for entering
into services in the general category. The medical rules may also indicate in clear terms that loss
of one eye will not be considered a disqualification unless the particular post is of such a
technical nature that it requires of a person the use of both the eyes or three-dimensional vision.
The same medical board at the district level may examine suitability or otherwise of a one eyed
person for a particular post.

The degree and extent of disability of the 3 types, namely visual, hearing and orthopaedic
will be indicated as follows: -

(a) Mild—less than 40 per cent.

(b) Moderate—40 per cent & above.
(c) Severe—75 per cent & above.
(d) Profound/total—100 per cent.

For persons suffering from cardio pulmonary diseases, there may be no

reservations in jobs. These persons may, however, be considered for extending other
concessions such as exemption in typing etc.

The Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare will be the final authority, should there arise any controversy/doubt regarding the
interpretation of the definitions/classifications/evaluation tests etc.

Only those persons who have disability more than 40 per cent and above shall be eligible
for registration in Employment Exchanges in the category of handicapped and considered
against jobs in public sector reserved for the physically handicapped.

214
 Annexure-I

Composition of Committees to recommend standard definitions of Disabilities

Dr. D.B.Bisht, Chairman

Director General of Health Services (Of all the three Committees)
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi.

On visually Handicapped

1. Dr. Madan Mohan Member

Head Deptt. of Ophthalmology,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi.

2. Dr. G.H.Gidwani, Member

Assistant Director General of Health
Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi.

3. Shri R.S.Srivastava, Member

Joint Director,
Director General of Employment & Training,
Ministry of Labour,
Sharam Shahti Bhavan, New Delhi

4. Director, Member
National Institute for the Visually Handicapped,
Rajpur Road, Dehradun,
(Represented by Shri S.R. Shuhla, Asstt. Director).

5. Dr. G. Venkataswami, Member

Arvind Eye Hospital,
Madurai, Tamilnadu.

6. Dr. J.M. Pahwa, Member

Chief Medical Officer,
Gandhi Eye Hospital,
Aligarh.

7. Shri Harcharanjit Singh, Member- Secretary

Under Secretary,
Ministry of Social & Women’s Welfare.

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 On Hearing Handicapped

1. Dr. G.H.Gidwani, Member

Assistant Director General of Health Services,
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi.

2. Shri R.S.Srivastava, Member

Joint Director,
Director General of Employment & Training,
Ministry of Labour,
Sharam Shahti Bhavan, New Delhi.

3. Dr. S.K.Kacher, Member

All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi.

4. Dr. M.Nithya Seelan, Member

Director,
All India Institute of Speech & Hearing,
Mysore.

5. Dr. N.Rathna, Member

Director,
Ali Yavar Jung Institute of Hearing Handicapped,
Haji Ali Parh, Mahalaxmi,
Bombay-400034.
(Represented by Dr. M.N. Nagaraja, Dy. Director
in the meeting on 25.06.1984).

6. Shri Harcharanjit Singh, Member- Secretary

Under Secretary,
Ministry of Social & Women’s Welfare,
New Delhi.

On Orthopaedically Handicapped

1. Dr. G.H. Gidwani, Member

Assistant Director General of Health Services,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi.

2. Shri R.S.Srivastava, Member

Joint Director,
Director General of Employment & Training,
Ministry of Labour,
Sharam Shahti Bhavan, New Delhi.

216
 3. Dr. Narendra Kumar, Member
Indian Council of Medical Research,
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.

4. Director, Member
National Institute of Orthopaedically Handicapped,
B.T.Road, Bon Hooghly,
Calcutta.

5. Dr. A.K.Mukherjee, Member

Director,
All India Institute of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation,
Haji Ali Parh, Bombay.

6. Dr. S.K.Varma, Member

Head of Deptt. of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

7. Dr. B.P.Yadav, Special Invitee

Head, Rehabilitation Department,
Safdarjung Hospital,
New Delhi.

8. Dr. J.S.Guleria, Special Invitee

Prof. & Head of Deptt. of Medicine,
Dean, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi.

9. Shri Harcharanjit Singh, Member- Secretary

Under Secretary,
Ministry of Social & Women’s Welfare.

Annexure II

(1) Visually Handicapped

The definition adopted for visual handicapped for extending the concession,
Scholarships, admission to Integrated education system, reservation in jobs, assistance for
purchase/fitting of aids and appliances: -

The blind are those who suffer from either of the following conditions. —

(a) Total absence of sight.

(b) Visual acquity not exceeding 6/60 or 20/200 (snellen) in the better eye with
correcting lenses.
(c) Limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of degree or worse.

217
 Definition of Hearing Handicapped under various Schemes

SCHOLARSHIPS

The deaf are those in whom the sense of hearing is non-functional for ordinary purposes
of life. They do not hear/understand sound at all even with amplified speech. The cases included
in this category will be those having hearing loss more than 70 decibels in the better ear
(profound impairment) or total loss of hearing in both ears.

Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances

The partially hearing are those falling under any one of the categories indicated below: --

Category Hearing equity

Mild impairment More than 30 but not more than 45
decibels in better ear.
Serious impairment More than 45 but not more than 60
decibels in better ear.
Severe impairment More than 60 but not more than 90
decibels in the better ear.

Reservation Orders Issued by Department of Personnel and Administration Reforms

The deaf are those in whom the sense of hearing is non-functional for ordinary purposes
of life. They do not hear/understand sounds at all events with amplified speech. The cases
included in this category will be those having loss more than 90 decibels in the better ear
(profound impairment) or total loss of hearing in both ears.

Locomotor Handicapped

Similarly the definition adopted for orthopaedically handicapped is not uniform as all
orthopaedically handicapped are eligible for getting a sholarship but only those orthopaedically
handicapped persons can get the facility of reservation in jobs as have a minimum of 40%
disability.

Situation in State Governments

Various State Governments have also adopted different sets of definition. For example,
Govt. of Tamil Nadu declared one-eyed persons in the same category as blind persons and have
extended various concessions including the reservation in jobs under the State Government to
one-eyed person also. The Central Government on the other hand has declared that a one-eyed
person with one eye good vision is not medically unfit and can be considered for jobs which do
not require a three dimensional vision to the specific requirement of the jobs.

218
 Annexure-III
Visual Impairment disability Categories based on its severity and proposed disability percentages.

All with corrections Percentage

impairment
Better eye Worse eye
Category O 6/9—6/18 6/24 to 6/36 20%
Category I 6/18—6/36 6/60 to Nil 40%
Category II 6/60—4/60 3/60 to Nil 75%
or
Field of vision
110—20
Category III 3/60 to 1/60
or
Field of vision 100 F.C. at 1 ft. to Nil 100%
Category IV F.C. at 1ft. to Nil F.C. at 1 ft. to Nil 100%
or
Field of vision 100 Field of vision 100
One eyed 6/6 F.C. at 1 ft. to Nil 30%
persons

The method of evaluation shall be the same as recommended in Hand Book of Medical
examination. Impairment of 20%- 40% or less may only be entitled to aids and appliances.

Annexure-IV
A. Recommendations about the Categories and the Tests Required
1. Recommended classification

Sl. Category Type of DB level and/or Speech Percentage of

No. Impairment discrimination Impairment
1. I. Mild Hearing dB 26 to 40 dB in 80 to 100% in Less than 40%
Impairment better ear better ear
2. II Moderate 41 to 55 dB in 50 to 80% 40%-50%
hearing better ear better ear
Impairment
3. III Severe hearing 56 to 70 40 to 50% 50 to 75%
impairment in Hearing
better ear Impairment in
better ear
4. IV (a) Total No hearing No 100%
deafness discrimination
(b) Near total 91 dB and above -do- 100%
deafness in better ear
(c) Profound 71 to 90 dB
hearing Less than 40% 75%- 100%
impairment in better ear

(Pure tone average of hearing in 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz by air conduction should be
taken as basis for consideration as per the test recommendations).

219
 Further it should be noted that –

(a) When there is only an Island of hearing present in one or two frequencies in better
ear, it should be considered as total loss of hearing.
(b) Wherever there is no response (NR) at any of the 3 frequencies (500,1000,2000 Hz),
it should be considered as equivalent to 130 dB loss for the purposes of classification
of disability and in arriving at the average. This is based on the fact that maximum
intensity limits in most of the Audiometers is 110 dB’s and some audiometers has
additional facilities for +20 dB for testing.

II. Recommendations about the categories of disability (Hearing Impairment-

Physical aspect only—Test recommended).

(a) Pure tone audiometry (ISO R 382-1970 at present, is being used as

Audiometric Standard in most of the audiometers. Hence the audiometers
used in testing should be accordingly calibrated). Three-frequency average at
50, 1000 and 2000 Hz by Air Conditions (A.C.) will be used for
categorisation.
(b) Wherever possible the pure tone audiometric results should be supplemented
by the Speech discrimination score—Tested at Sensation Level (S.L.) i.e. the
speech discriminations test is conducted at –dB above the patient’s hearing
threshold. The stimuli used be either phonetically balance words (Pb) of the
particular language or its equivalent material. At present only a few Indian
languages have standard speech material for testing. Hence wherever the
standardised test material is not available, either standardised Indian English
test could be made use of, with English knowing population or equivalent
material to Pb be used.
(c) Wherever children are tested and pure tone audiometry becomes not possible
free field-testing should be employed.

Suggestions of the Facilities to be Offered to the Disabled for Rehabilitation

Category I. No. special benefits.

Category II. Considered for Hearing Aids at
Free or concessional costs only.
Category III. Hearing aids free of cost or at concessional rates.Job
reservation-benefit of special Employment Exchange.
Scholarships at School: Single language formula.
Category IV. Hearing Aids—facilities of reservation—special
employment exchange. Special facilities in schools like
Scholarships. Hearing aids—Exemption from 3-language
formula (to study in recommended single language).
It is felt that for consideration of admission under special category for courses conducted
by institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and
others, categories 1 & 2 only should be considered for reservation of seats, provided they fulfill
the other educational stipulations for the course.

We have considered the different type of hearing affection i.e. conductive VS Sensory
neural, and agree that the disability will be judged by the conditions prevalent in the patient at
the time of referral and examination. In case of failure of surgery or other therapeutic
interventions, the patient will be considered and categorized on the basis of the recommended
tests.
220
 ANNEXURE – V

1. Guidelines for Evaluation of Various Disabilities

i. Locomotor Disability

1.1. UPPER LIMB

1. The estimation of permanent impairment depends upon the

measurement of functional impairment and is not expression of a personal
opinion.

2. The estimation and measurement must be made when the clinical condition is
fixed and unchangeable.

3. The upper extremity is divided into two component parts, the arm component and
the hand component.

4. Measurement of the loss of function of arm component consists in measuring the

loss of motion, muscle strength and co-coordinated activities.

5. Measurement of the loss of function of hand component consists in determining

the Prehension, Sensation & Strength. For estimation of Prehension Opposition,
lateral pinch, cylindrical grasp, spherical grasp and hook grasp have to be
assessed as shown in the column of ‘prehension component’ in the proforma.

6. The impairment of the entire extremity depends on the combination of the

functional impairment of both components.

ARM COMPONENT

Total value of arm component is 90%.

Principles of Evaluation of range of motion of joints –

1. The value of maximum R.O.M. in the arm component is 90%.
2. Each of the three joints of the arm is weighed equally (30%).

Example:

A fracture of the right shoulder joint may affect range of motion so that active abduction
is 90%. The left shoulder exhibits a range of active abduction of 180%. Hence there is loss of
50% of abduction movement of the right shoulder. The percentage loss of arm component in the
shoulder is 50 × 0.30 or 15 per cent loss of motion for the arm component.
If more than one joint is involved, same method is applied and the losses in each of the
affected joints are added. Say,

Loss of abduction of the shoulder = 60%

Loss of extension of the wrist = 40%
Then, Loss of range of motion
For the arm =
(60 × 0.30) + (40 × 0.30) = 30%

221
 Principles of Evaluation of Strength of muscles

1. Strength of muscles can be tested by manual testing like 0—5 grading.

2. Manual muscle gradings can be given percentages like—

0. – 100%
1. – 80%
2. – 60%
3. – 40%
4. – 20%
5. – 0%

3. The mean percentage of muscle strength loss is multiplied by 0.30.

4. If there has been a loss of muscle strength of more than one joint, the
values are added as has been described for loss of range of motion.

Principles of Evaluation of co-coordinated activities

1. The total value for coordinated activities is 90%.

2. Ten different coordinated activities are to be tested as given in the
Proforma.
3. Each activity has a value of 9%.

Combining value for the Arm Component

1. The value of loss of function of arm component is obtained by combining the value
of range of movement, muscle strength & coordinated activities, using the combining
formula –
a=b(90-a)÷90
where, a = higher value
& b = lower value
Example:

Let us assume that an individual with a fracture of the right shoulder joint has in addition
to 16.5% of motion his arm, 8.3% loss of strength of muscles, and 5% loss of coordination. We
combine these values as:
Range of motion: 16.5%
|Strength of Muscles: 8.3% |

16.5+ [{8.3(90−16.5)÷90}]= 23.3%

Coordination: 5% 23.3 + [{5(90—23.3)÷90}]= 27.0%

So, total value of arm component = 27.0%.

Hand Component

Total value of hand component is 90%.

The functional impairment of hand is expressed as loss of prehension, loss of sensation,
loss of strength.

222
 Principles of Evaluation of Prehension.

Total value of Prehension is 30%. It includes:

(A) Opposition (8%). Tested against

Index finger (2%), Middle finger (2%)
Ring finger (2%) & Little finger (2%)

(B) Lateral Pinch (5). Tested by asking the patient to hold a key.

(C) Cylindrical Grasp (6%). Tested for (a) Large object of 4 inch size (3%)
(b) Small object of 1-inch size (3%).

(D) Spherical Grasp (6%). Tested for (a) Large object 4 inch size (3%)
(b) Small object 1-inch size (3%).

(E) Hook Grasp (5%). Tested by asking the patient to lift a bag.

Principles of Evaluation of Sensations

Total value of sensation is 30%. It includes:

1. Radial side of thumb (4.8%)
2. Ulnar side of thumb (1.2%)
3. Radial side of each finger (4.8%)
4. Ulnar side of each finger (1.2%)

Principles of Evaluation of Strength

Total value of strength is 30%. It includes:

1. Grip Strength (20%)

2. Pinch Strength (10%)

Strength will be tested with hand dynamometer or by clinical method (Grip

Method).

10% additional weightage to be given to the following factors:

1. Infection
2. Deformity
3. Malalignment
4. Contractures
5. Abnormal Mobility
6. Dominant Extremity (4%)

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 Combining value of the hand component

The final value of loss of function of hand component is obtained by summing up values
of loss of prehension, sensation and strength.

Combining Values for the Extremity

Values of impairment of arm component and impairment of hand component are

combined by using the combining formula.

Example:

Impairment of the arm = 27.0%

Impairment of the hand = 64%

64+[{27 (90—64)}÷90}] =71.8%

Guidelines for Evaluation of Permanent Physical Impairment in Lower Limbs

The lower extremity is divided into two component Mobility Component and Stability
component.
Mobility Component

Total value of mobility component is 90 per cent. It includes range of movement and
muscle strength.

Principal of Evaluation of Range of Movement

1. The value of maximum range of movement in the mobility component is 90 per cent.

2. Each of the three joints i.e. hip knee, foot-ankle component, is weighed equally—
0.30.

A fracture of the right hip joint may affect range of motion so that active abduction is 27
degree. The left hip exhibits a range of active abduction of 54 degree. Hence, there is loss of 50
per cent of abduction movement of the right hip. The percentage loss of mobility component in
the hip is 50 × 0.30 or 15 per cent loss of motion for the mobility component.

If more than one joint is involved, same method is applied and the losses in each of the
affected joints are added.

For Example: -
Loss of abduction of the hip = 60%
Loss of extension of the
Knee = 40%
Loss of range of motion
For mobility component (60 × 0.30) + (40 × 0.30) = 30%

224
 Principles of Evaluation of Muscle Strength

1. The value for maximum muscle strength in the leg is 90 per cent.
2. Strength of muscles can be tested by manual testing like 0-5 grading.
3. Manual muscle gradings can be given percentages like

Grade 0 = 100%
Grade 1 = 80%
Grade 2 = 60%
Grade 3 = 40%
Grade 4 = 20%
Grade 5 = 0%

4. Mean percentage of muscle strength loss is multiplied by 0.30

5. If there has been a loss of muscle strength of more than one joint, the
values are added as has been described for loss of range of motion.

Combining Values for the Mobility Component

Let us assume that the individual with a fracture of the right hip joint has in addition to
16 per cent loss of motion, 8 per cent loss of strength of muscles.

Combining Values

Motion 16%
Strength 8% 16 + [{8(90-16)÷90}]=22.6%
where a = higher value
b = lower value

Stability Component

1. Total value of stability component is 90 per cent.

2. It is tested by 2 methods.
(i) Based on scale method.
(ii) Based on clinical method.

Three different readings (in kilograms) are taken measuring the total body weight (W).
Scale ‘A’ reading and scale ‘B’ read.

Guidelines for Evaluation of Permanent Physical Impairment of Trunk (Spine)

The local effects of lesions of spine can be divided into traumatic and non-traumatic
lesions.

225
 TRAUMATIC LESIONS

Cervical Spine Fracture

Percent Whole Body

Permanent Physical
Impairment and Loss of Physical
Function to Whole Body

A. Vertebral compression 25 per cent, one or two vertebral adjacent bodies, no

fragmentation, no involvement of posterior elements, no nerve root involvement, moderate neck
rigidity and persistent soreness. 20

B. Posterior elements with X-ray evidence or moderate partial dislocation.

(a) No nerve root involvement, healed 15
(b) With persistent pain, with mild motor and sensory
manifestations 25
(c) With fusion, healed, no permanent motor or sensory
changes. 20

C. Serve dislocation, fair to good reduction with surgical fusion.

(a) No residual motor or sensory changes. 25
(b) Poor reduction with fusion, persistent radicular pain, motor
involvement only slight weakness and numbness. 35
(c) Same as (b) with partial paralysis, determine additional
rating for loss of use of extremities and sphincters.

Cervical Intervertebral Disc

1. Operative, successful removal of disc, with relief of acute pain, no fusion, no

neurologic residual.
10
2. Same as (1) with neurological manifestations, persistent pain, numbness,
weakness in fingers. 20

Thoracic and Dorsolumbar Spine Fracture

Percent Whole Body

Permanent Physical Impairment and
Loss of Physical Function to Whole Body

A. Compression 25 percent, involving one or two vertebral bodies, mild, no

fragmentation, healed, no neurological manifestations.
10
B. Compression 50 percent, with involvement posterior elements, healed, no
neurologic manifestations, persistent pain, and fusion, indicated. 20
C. Same as (B) with fusion, pain only on heavy use of back. 20
D. Total paraplegia 100
E. Posterior elements, partial paralysis with or without fusion, should be rated for
loss of use of extremities and sphincters.

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 Low Lumber

1. Fracture

A. Vertebral compression 25 percent one or two adjacent vertebral bodies little or

fragmentation, no definite pattern or neurologic changes. 15
B. Compression with fragmentation posterior elements, persistent pain, Weakness
and stiffness, healed, no fusion, no lifting over 25 pounds. 40
C. Same as (B), healed with fusion, mild pain. 25

D. Same as (B), nerve root involvement to lower extremities, determine additional rating
for loss of industrial function to extremities.

E. Same as (C), with fragmentation of posterior elements, with persistent pain after
fusion, no neurologic findings. 35
F. Same as (C), with nerve root involvement to lower extremities, rate with
functional loss to extremities.
G. Total paraplegia. 100

H. Posterior elements, partial paralysis with or without fusion, should be

rated for loss of use of extremities and sphincters.

2. Neurogenic Low Back Pain-Disc Injury

A. Periodic acute episodes with acute pain and persistent body list, test, tests for
sciatic pain positive, temporary recovery 5 to 8 weeks. 5
B. Surgical excision of disc, no fusion, good results, no persistent sciatic Pain10

C. Surgical excision of disc, no fusion, moderate persistent pain and stiffness

aggravated by heavy lifting with necessary modification of activities. 20

D. Surgical excision of disc with fusion, activities of lifting moderately

modified. 15
E. Surgical excision of disc with fusion, persistent pain and stiffness aggravated by
heavy lifting, necessitating modification of all activities requiring heavy lifting. 25

Non-Traumatic Lesions

Scoliosis

The whole Spine has been given rating of 100 per cent and regionwise the following
percentages are given:

Dorsal Spine—50 per cent

Lumbar Spine—30 per cent
Cervical Spine—20 per cent

227
Kobb’s method for measurement of angle of curve in standing position is to be used. The curves
have been divided into three sub groups.

Cervical Spine Thoracic Spine Lumbar Spine

Less than 30 degree (Mild) 2% 5% 5%

31 degree–60 degree 3% 15% 12%
(Moderate)
Above 60 degree (Severe) 5% 25% 33%

In the curves ranging above 60 degree, cardiopulmonary complications are to be graded

separately. The junctional curves are to be given that rating depending upon level of apex of
curve. For example, if apex of dorso-lumbar curve falls in the dorsal spine the curve can be
taken as a dorsal curve. When the scoliosis is adequately compensated, 5 per cent reduction is to
be given from final rating (for all assessment primary curves are considered for rating).
Kyphosis

The same total rating (100 per cent) as that suggested for scoliosis is to be given for
kyphosis. Region-wise percentages of physical impairment are:
Dorsal 50 per cent
Cervical Spine 30 per cent
Lumbar Spine 20 per cent

For dorsal spine the following further grading are:

Less than 20 degree 10 per cent

21 degree—40 degree 15 per cent
41 degree—60 degree 20 per cent
Above 60 degree 25 per cent

For kyphosis of lumbar and cervical spine 5 per cent and 7 per cent respectively have
been allocated.
Paralysis of Flexors and Extensors of Dorsal and Lumbar Spine.

The motor power of these muscles to be grouped as follows: -

Normal --
Weak 5 per cent
Paralysed 10 per cent

Paralysis of Muscles of Cervical Spine

For cervical spine the rating of motor power is as follows:

Normal Weak Paralysed

Flexors 0 5% 10%
Extensors 0 5% 10%
Rotators 0 5% 10%
Side bending 0 5% 10%

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 Miscellaneous

Those conditions of the spine which cause stiffness and pain etc., are rated as follows:

%
Physical
Impairment
A. Subjective symptoms of pain. No involuntary muscle
spasm. Not substantiated by demonstrable structural
pathology. 0%
B. Pain, Persistent muscle spasm and stiffness of spine,
substantiated by demonstrable mild radiological charges. 10%
C. Same as B, with moderate radiological changes. 15%
D. Same as B, with severe radiological changes involving and
one of the region of spine (cervical, dorsal or lumbar). 20%
E. Same as D, involving whole spine. 30%

In kypho-scoliosis, both curves to be assessed separately and then percentage of

disability to be summed.

Guidelines for Evaluation of Permanent Physical Impairment in Amputees

Basic Guidelines

1. In case of multiple amputees, if the total sum of percentage permanent physical

impairment is above 100 per cent, it should be taken as 100 per cent.
2. Amputation at any level with uncorrectable inability to wear and use prosthesis,
should be given 100 per cent permanent physical impairment.
3. In case of amputation in more than one limb percentage of each limb is counted and
another 10 per cent will be added, but when only toes or fingers are involved only another 5 per
cent will be added.
4. Any complication in form of stiffness, neuroma, infection etc. has to be
given a total of 10 per cent additional weightage.
5. Dominant upper limb has been given 4 per cent extra percentage.

Upper Limb Amputations

Percent Permanent
Physical Impairment and

Loss of physical function of each limb

1. Fore-quarter amputation 100 per cent

2. Shoulder Disarticulation 90 per cent
3. Above Elbow unto upper 1/3 of arm 85 per cent
4. Above Elbow up to lower 1/3 of arm 80 per cent
5. Elbow disarticulation 75 per cent
6. Below Elbow up to upper 1/3 of forearm 70 per cent
7. Below Elbow up to lower 1/3 of forearm 65 per cent

229
 8. Wrist disarticulation 60 per cent
9. Hand through carpal bones 55 per cent
10. Thumb through C.M. or through 1st M.C. Joint 30 percent
11. Thumb disarticulation through metacarpophalangeal
Joint or through proximal phalanx 25 per cent
12. Thumb disarticulation through inter phalangeal
Joint or through distal phalanx 15 per cent

Index Middle Ring Finger Little

Finger Finger (5%) (3%) Finger (2%)
(15%)
13. Amputation through 15% 5% 3% 2%
proximal phalanx or
disarticulation through
M.P. joint.
14. Amputation through 10% 4% 2% 1%
middle phalanx or
disarticulation through
PIP joint.
15. Amputation through 5% 2% 1% 1%
distal phalanx or
disarticulation through
DIP joint.

Lower Limb Amputations

1. Hind quarter 100 per cent

2. Nip disarticulation 90 per cent
3. Above knee upto upper 1/3 of thigh 85 per cent
4. Above knee up to lower 1/3 of thigh 80 per cent
5. Through knee 75 per cent
6. B.K. up to 8 cm. 70 per cent
7. B.K. up to lower 1/3 of leg 60 per cent
8. Through Ankle 55 per cent
9. Syme’s 50 per cent
10. Up to mid-foot 40 per cent
11. Up to fore-foot 30 per cent
12. All toes 20 per cent
13. Loss of first toe 10 per cent
14. Loss of second toe 5 per cent
15. Loss of third toe 4 per cent
16. Loss of fourth toe 3 per cent
17. Loss of fifth toe 2 per cent

230
 Guidelines for Assessment of Physical Impairment in Neurological Conditions

1. Assessment in neurological conditions is not the assessment of disease but it is the

assessment of the effects, i.e. clinical manifestations.
2. Any neurological assessment has to be done after six months of onset.
3. These guidelines will only be used for central and upper motor neurone lesions.
4. Proforma A & B will be utilised for assessment of lower motor neurone lesions,
muscular disorders and other locomotor conditions.
5. Total percentage of physical impairment in neurological conditions will not exceed
100 per cent.
6. In the mixed cases the highest score will be taken into consideration. The lower score
will be added to it and calculations will be done by the formula:

a + b (100—a)
100

7. Additional rating of 4 per cent will be given for dominant upper extremity.
8. Additional 10 per cent has been given for sensation in each extremity, but the
maximum total physical impairment will not exceed 100 per cent.

Motor System Disability

Disability Rate

Monoparesis 25 per cent

Monoplegia 50 per cent

Hemiparesis

Para paresis 75 per cent

Paraplegia 100 per cent

Hemiplegia 75 per cent

Quadriparesis

Quadriplegia 100 per cent

Sensory System Disability

Anesthesia
Rypoaesthesia Each Limb 10 per cent
Paraesthesia

FOR INVOLVEMENT

For involvement of hand/hands foot/feet 25 per cent

231
 Guidelines for Assessment of Physical Impairment in Neurological Conditions

1. Assessment in neurological conditions is not the assessment of disease but it is the

assessment of the effects, i.e. clinical manifestation.
2. Any neurological assessment has to be done after six months of onset.
3. These guidelines will only be used for Central and upper motor neurone lesions.
4. Proforma A & B will be utilized for assessment of lower motor neurone lesions,
muscular disorders and other locomotor conditions.
5. Total percentage of physical impairment in neurological conditions will not exceed
100 per cent.
6. In the mixed cases the highest score will be taken into consideration. The lower score
will be added to it and calculations will be done by the formula:

a + b (100—a)
100

7. Additional rating of 4 per cent will be given for dominant upper extremity.
8. Additional 10 per cent has given for sensation in each extremity, but the maximum
total physical impairment will not exceed 100 per cent.

Speech disability

Disability Rate

Mild 25 per cent

Moderate 50 per cent
Severe 75 per cent
Very Severe 75 per cent

Tested by a 100-word text. Ability to read (in educated), comprehend when read out,
answer question on text clearly and ability to write a synopsis (in educated).

Guidelines for Evaluation of Physical Impairment due to Cardio Pulmonary Diseases

Basic Guidelines

1. Modified New York Heart Association subjective classification should be utilized to

assess the functional disability.

2. The physician should be alert to the fact that patients who come for disability claims
are likely to exaggerate their symptoms. In case of any doubt patients should be referred for
detailed physiological evaluation.

3. Disability evaluation of cardio-pulmonary patients should be done after full medical,

surgical and rehabilitative treatment available, because most of these diseases are potentially
treatable.

4. Assessment of a cardio-pulmonary impairment should also be done in diseases which

might have associated cardio-pulmonary problems, e.g. amputees, myopathes etc.

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 The proposed modified classification is as follows: -

Group 0: A patient with cardio-pulmonary disease who is a symptomatic (i.e. has no

symptoms of breathlessness palpitation, fatigue or chest pain).

Group 1: A patient will cardio-pulmonary disease who becomes symptomatic during

his ordinary physical activity but has mild restriction (25 per cent) of his ordinary physical
activities.

Group 2: A patient with cardio-pulmonary disease who becomes symptomatic during

his ordinary physical activity and has 25-50 per cent restriction of his ordinary physical activity.

Annexure-V

Mental Disorders

Source: Glossary and guide to their classification.

A publication by W.H.O.

“MENTAL RETARDATION”. A condition of arrested or incomplete development of

mind, which is especially characterized by sub normality of intelligence. The coding should be
made on the individual’s current level of functioning without regard to its nature of causation-
such as psychosis, cultural deprivation. Down’s syndrome etc., where there is a specific
cognitive handicap—such as in speech—the four digit coding should be based on assessments of
cognition outside the area of specific handicap. The assessment of intellectual level should be
based on whatever information is available, including clinical evidence, adaptive behaviour and
psychometric findings. The IQ levels given are based on a test with a mean of 100 and a
standard deviation of 15—such as the Wechsle scales. They are provided only as a guide and
should not be applied rigidly. Mental retardation often involves psychiatric disturbances and
may often develop as a result of some physical disease or injury. In these causes, an additional
code or codes should be used to identify and associated condition, psychiatric or physical. The
impairment and Handicap codes should also be consulted.

(b) MILD MENTAL RETARDATION

Feeble-minded Moron
High Grade defect IQ 50—70

Mild mental sub normality

(C) OTHER SPECIFIED MENTAL RETARDATION

(i) Moderate mental retardation. Imbecile IQ 35-49—Moderate
mental sub normality.
(ii) Severe mental retardation IQ 20-34—Severe mental
sub normality.
(iii) Profound mental retardation. Idiocy IQ under 20—Profound mental
sub normality.

(d) UNSPECIFIED MENTAL RETARDATION

Mental deficiency NOS Mental subnormality NOS.

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