We are experiencing a rather hot June this year. For one, Delhi is simmering with soaring temperatures. And the political atmosphere has been mercurial since the beginning of the month. The newly elected cabinet of ministers are gearing up to operationalize their tall campaign promises.
Sadly, the fun is over. We have traversed to the other side of number games, trend analysis, mudslinging, and finger pointing. It’s down to the basics of governance. I have honestly enjoyed all the print punditry around headlines and catch-phrases in the past ten days. One of the less critical and more practical ones was what I read in The Indian Express, “Continew”. Keeping constancy in action, setting some new order in motion. Change and continuity for the greater good I assume.
With Modi 3.0 set to roll out the 100-day action plan for various ministries, the Social Justice and Welfare Minister, Dr Virendra Kumar assured stricter implementation of Accessible India 2.0. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan or Accessible India was one of the initial flagship campaigns launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2015. The government vowed to create a barrier-free environment for independent, safe, and dignified living of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Have we achieved what we set out for? Hardly. However, there’s been progress that deserves acknowledgement. But like my Math teacher would say, ‘no marks for steps, what counts is cracking and solving the problem all the way.’ The ruling party too needs to adhere to a strict agenda for inclusion and stop distracting PwDs with stimulating sloganeering.
Here are 10 key areas calling for the newly elected government’s attention.
- Legal Framework
India has a progressive legislation, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016. But till date the law hasn’t been fully implemented. We are lagging with respect to formulation and enforcement of state-specific policies in line with the RPWD Act. We also need detailed regulations and guidelines pertaining to different types of disabilities. Some states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu still don’t have the rules in place to recognize disabilities like Multiple Sclerosis, which is one of the 21 disabilities mentioned in the Act. We need State Advisory Boards with adequate stakeholder representation to drive policy and implementation.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility
One of the top priorities in the BJP Manifesto released in April this year, is building world-class infrastructure. The government’s overarching goals of economic development and infrastructural improvements have the potential to support disability inclusion. But only if they ensure that public buildings, transportation and digital platforms comply with accessibility and universal design standards outlined in the Act.
- Healthcare and Rehabilitation
That’s another area dear to the Prime Minister’s heart. Over and above the acclaimed Ayushman Bharat Yojana, reports indicate that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is working on a preventive healthcare scheme for the elderly. The government needs to ensure all healthcare facilities are accessible with a provision of disability specific services. PwDs also require mention in the preventive healthcare schemes, with a focus on expanding early detection and intervention programs as well as rehabilitation services.
- Emergency Response
In a world shrouded in natural disasters, climate change and waging wars, it’s pertinent to build inclusive disaster management plans and emergency services catering to the needs of PwDs. Whether it is Covid-19, Ukraine-Russia war or seismic disturbances around the globe, persons with disabilities don’t receive timely and appropriate assistance. We need specific provisions issued and enforced by the central as well as state governments.
- Data Collection
For the current or future governments to track progress and formulate effective policies, we need accurate and updated data on persons with disabilities. The government needs to allocate funds for research on disability issues, services and solutions. True that the Unique Disability ID or UDID project is designed to build a national database of PwDs but there are serious gaps in implementation across states. More specifically, we need disability data with regards to gender, income, employment, education, et cetera.
- Social Security
The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme was introduced in 2009. The central government provided INR 300 as monthly pension and the states contribute an equivalent amount to provide assistance as per RPWD Act. But in the absence of a mandate, the amount varies from INR 300 in Bihar to INR 3000 in Andhra Pradesh. Also difficulties in acquiring UDID or disability certificate prevents potential beneficiaries from availing the scheme. The government needs to revise the provision to make it relevant to the current scenario as well as ensure timely disbursements.
- Digital Inclusion
Given the rapid adaptation of all things digital, the government needs to ensure all websites, services, documents etc. are fully accessible. There are many non-profit organisations working in silos to promote digital literacy among the disabled. But given its outreach and resources, we need a push towards digital inclusion of PwDs by the government. And this cuts across ministries. In fact last year, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment took a step forward with the enforcement of IS 17802 standard. This Indian Standard aligns with the global accessibility standards and guidelines such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act, and the European Standard EN-301 549.
- Inclusive Education
Persons with Disabilities need access to quality education to reduce dependency on state sponsored benefits. True to the spirit of empowerment, RPWD Act 2016 emphasises on reasonable accommodation for equal access to education, employment and other mainstream activities. PwDs require accessible infrastructure, trained teachers and learning material in accessible formats. Scholarships, grants and financial aids extended to students with disabilities need regular audits to close gaps in last mile implementation.
- Social Inclusion
In some parts of India, disability is still seen as a result of bad karma. The stigma attached to disability prevents social inclusion, pushing PwDs to the peripheries. The RPWD Act cites grievance redressal mechanisms to be established at the district and state level. The government needs to extend legal support to PwDs willing to claim their rights. We need robust measures against discrimination in all spaces like schools, offices, public service and so on.
- Awareness Drive
The RPWD Act 2016 emphasises the importance of awareness initiatives as a means to combat stigma and discrimination. Section 39 mandates the central and state governments to conduct awareness campaigns to lessen the attitudinal barriers towards disability. Government needs to initiate drives to promote a positive perception and wider acceptance in the majority population. Section 42 calls for the use of media including television, radio, print, and digital media to create public awareness on disability issues. Governments should collaborate with media organisations to ensure fair representation with a focus on potential rather than pity. We also need sensitization targeted to law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, and other service providers.
With jumlaa season behind us, what remains to be seen is whether Modi Ki Guarantee extends to Persons with Disabilities.