LUCKNOW: Living on the fringes, facing discrimination and exclusion in a variety of ways, persons with
disabilities
(PwDs) are now making their voice felt, and rightly too. From guaranteed income, increased job opportunities to improved accessibility to buildings and transportation, PwDs have put forward their
demands
from
political parties
in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections to improve their quality of life.
They said they are pleased that three major political parties have promised to look into their issues, but they want more parties to focus on their demands and take tangible action beyond mere words.
Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of enforcing existing laws like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016.
Speaking to TOI, Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), stressed the importance of taking action to address the needs of people with disabilities.
He highlighted the necessity for health insurance coverage aligned with Ayushman Bharat and increased representation in Parliament and governance.
“Although some of these demands were included in the
manifestos
of major parties in the 2019 LS polls, they were not fulfilled,” he said.
Ali emphasised the growing political awareness and participation among disabled individuals.
Amit Rawat, a visually impaired PhD student from Lucknow University, pointed out that while one major party’s manifesto included promises related to housing and transportation improvements, other parties focused on care centres, increased pensions, and Braille inclusion.
“There is need for tangible action beyond words. Parties must prioritise employment for disabled individuals and address implementation issues such as train seat reservations etc,” he said.
Another disabled student, Ram Vijay from Shakuntala Mishra Deemed University, expressed disappointment with the parties in failure to fulfill the previous promises.
He cited the example of an app called Suramya Bharat, intended to assist disabled individuals in suggesting improvements to public spaces, which has not been effectively implemented.
“We face challenges when we visit govt offices, access roads and even schools, colleges. There is a need for concerted efforts from all political parties to address these issues,” he said.
Shiv Prasad, an activist from Maharajganj, highlighted disparities in pension amounts across states and stressed the need for uniformity and increased support.
He also pointed out the lack of clarity in provisions of the RPwD Act, emphasizing the need for representation of disabled people in politics and policymaking.
Krishna Kumar, an MEd student from Shakuntala University, stressed the importance of increasing reservation for disabled individuals in education and employment.
He explained that the types of disabilities covered under the act have increased significantly, necessitating a proportional increase in reservation quotas to ensure inclusivity.
What manifestos promised
BJP:
*Committed to continuing the provision of affordable housing prioritising persons with disabilities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
*Accessible solutions tailored to the needs of disabled individuals
Congress:
*Raise pensions for disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme from Rs 200-500 per month to Rs 1,000 pm.
Expand constitutional provisions of Article 15 and 16 to prohibit discrimination based on disability and impairment, or sexual orientation.
*Care centres and inclusion of Braille.
CPI (M):
*Recognise Braille script as sign language and enforce the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
*Proposed measures such as disability budgeting, earmarking 5% allocations across ministries for the disabled, and removal of GST on aids and appliances.
