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Disability Inclusion

In a nation of 1.4 billion where diversity defines identity, India’s commitment to disability rights has accelerated in 2025, blending robust legislation with tech-savvy initiatives and vibrant cultural showcases.

As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the government’s efforts, rooted in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, paint a picture of progress.

However, challenges such as underreported prevalence and implementation gaps persist.

With an estimated 2.68 crore persons with disabilities (PwDs) per Census 2011 data, likely higher today, the focus is on turning rights into realities through accessibility, empowerment, and economic inclusion.

A Dynamic Legal Backbone

India’s framework, aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), recognizes 21 disability categories under the RPwD Act, mandating a 4% reservation in government jobs and a 5% reservation in higher education.

Complementing this are the National Trust Act (1999) for specific conditions, such as autism and cerebral palsy, and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act (1992, amended in 2000), which standardizes training for rehabilitation professionals.

The Scheme for Implementation of RPwD Act (SIPDA) funnels funds to states for accessibility projects.

In contrast, the Unique Disability ID (UDID) project has digitized over 1.5 crore cards, streamlining benefits and curbing duplicates.

However, as highlighted in a December 1, 2025, Supreme Court notice on including haemophilia for reservations, gaps in “benchmark” entitlements underscore the need for broader recognition of invisible disabilities.

Tech-Driven Accessibility: The Sugamya Bharat Revamp

Launched in 2015 under the Accessible India Campaign, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan aims to create barrier-free built environments, transport, and ICT.

Its crown jewel, the revamped Sugamya Bharat App, unveiled at International Purple Fest Goa in October 2025, has transformed into a “digital accessibility hub.”

Key upgrades include:

AI Chatbot Assistance: Real-time guidance on schemes, scholarships, and grievance filing.
Mapping Tool: Users rate and locate accessible public spaces, fostering community-driven data.
Multilingual Support: Compatible with screen readers, voice navigation, and 12+ Indian languages; over 83,700 downloads by June 2025, resolving 1,897 of 2,705 complaints.

This app not only empowers PwDs but also elderly users, aligning with Budget 2025 calls for assistive tech in health insurance to unlock Rs 4.5 lakh crore in lost GDP from exclusion.

As Rajesh Aggarwal, DEPwD Secretary, noted at the launch, it is “a gateway to empowerment, not just information.”

Spotlight On Sign Language And Education

The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) leads with PM e-Vidya Channel 31, dedicated to ISL training since December 2024.

On Sign Language Day 2025, it unveiled a global first repository of 3,189 e-content videos, expanding the ISL Dictionary to over 10,000 terms.

An MoU with NCERT aims to translate textbooks into ISL by 2026.

At Purple Fest Goa (October 9-12), three launches advanced this: an IELTS handbook for PwDs with ISL videos; Recognition of Prior Learning certification for 17 ISL interpreters (SODA/CODA); and basic training in ASL/BSL for global opportunities.

The PRASHAST App has screened 92 lakh students for early detection of disabilities.

Economic Empowerment: Divya Kala Mela And Beyond

Echoing “Vocal for Local,” the 2025 Divya Kala Mela series connected 300+ Divyang artisans nationwide.

Highlights:

Patna (August 23-31): 100 stalls from 20 states, featuring eco-friendly goods and a job fair.
Jammu (February 14-24): 100 participants, sports demos, and assistive tech exhibits.
Vadodara (January): Culminated in “Divya Kala Shakti” with 78 artists from 15 states performing cultural acts.

The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) supports this initiative through concessional loans under the Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana.

At the same time, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO) expands Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Kendras for the distribution of aids.

The ADIP Scheme, since 1981, has enabled stories like three-year-old Kritika’s cochlear implant journey, which restored her hearing and provided access to school.

The PM-DAKSH portal lists over 3,000 geo-tagged jobs, partnering with Amazon and Godrej, while nine National Institutes and 30 Composite Regional Centres provide rehabilitation services.

Purple Fest: A Cultural Beacon

2025’s Purple Fests amplified inclusion.

Goa’s international edition drew UN partners for tech showcases and performances.

Rashtrapati Bhavan’s March 21 event hosted 23,500 attendees, graced by President Droupadi Murmu, featuring wheelchair dances and Abilympics.

Amity University’s September fest honored pioneers like deafblind trailblazer Gurdeep Kaur Vasu.

Challenges And The Road Ahead

Despite strides, like the Supreme Court’s March 2025 ruling affirming visually impaired eligibility for judicial services, issues loom: only 1 in 10 PwDs accesses assistive tech, and urban infrastructure lags; budget 2025 advocates for an “Accessibility City Mission” to promote universal design.

India’s vision? An inclusive society where PwDs thrive as contributors, not recipients.

As DEPwD’s initiatives evolve, they embody “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, working together to build a barrier-free Bharat, with technology like Sugamya Bharat leading the way.

2025 marks not just policy wins but a cultural shift toward dignity for all.