Disabled community manifesto of demands unveiled before polls

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, February 29

As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, residents in the national capital are gearing up to vocalise their concerns and speak out on their rights.

Among them, the disabled community has taken a proactive stance by unveiling a manifesto crafted specifically to address their needs and demands.

Launched by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) at the Press Club here on Thursday, the manifesto underscores 10 key demands aimed at ensuring the inclusion and welfare of individuals with disabilities.

Arman Ali, Chairman of NCPEDP, emphasised the importance of equal opportunities, stating, “The persons with disabilities should not be sidelined or looked at from a charity’s point of view, instead we should be given equal opportunities.”

According to the 2011 Census, approximately 2.2 per cent of the Indian population is classified as citizens with disabilities, a figure that disability rights advocates argue is likely higher with the course of time. With this demography in mind, the manifesto calls for an increase in budgetary allocation from 1 to 5 per cent, reflecting the pressing need for enhanced support and resources.

Accessibility remains a paramount concern for the disabled community, with the manifesto setting a target for all public and private spaces, products and services to be made fully accessible by 2026. This call for inclusivity extends beyond physical barriers to encompass social and political spheres.

In terms of social security, the manifesto advocates the doubling of the current pension amount, from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per month, providing much-needed financial support to disabled individuals. Additionally, the document calls for increased representation in governance, with a demand for 5 per cent reservation in decision-making bodies.

Sports infrastructure, education, economic participation, climate change and gender equality are also addressed in the manifesto, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by the disabled community. Ali stressed the importance of mainstream engagement, stating, “Employment, accessibility and education are non-negotiable, but we must also engage with mainstream issues.”

Crafted from approximately 10,000 suggestions gathered from across India, the manifesto serves as a testament to the collective voice and aspirations of the disabled community. Disability rights advocates urge political parties to recognise the disabled community as a decisive voting bloc and to incorporate their agenda into their platforms and policies. Inclusion, they argue, is not just a matter of social justice, but a fundamental aspect of a truly democratic society.