Guwahati: Despite India’s progress in disability rights, accessing fundamental entitlements such as Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards remains a significant challenge for persons with disabilities in Northeast India. This issue was at the forefront of discussions during a Regional Consultation on Strengthening Access to Rights for Persons with Disabilities, held in Guwahati on Friday. The event was organized by Shishu Sarothi in partnership with the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and supported by the Mphasis F1 Foundation.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, disability rights organizations, NGOs, and persons with disabilities, to address systemic barriers and advocate for policy reforms. Key issues discussed included the complex process of obtaining disability certification and UDID cards, inadequate budget allocations for disability welfare, barriers to accessing justice, and the need for inclusive health insurance.
Highlighting the urgency of reforms, Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, called for the immediate inclusion of all persons with disabilities—regardless of income or age—in the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme. “In a region as diverse and geographically challenging as the Northeast, persons with disabilities face immense obstacles in accessing their fundamental rights. This consultation is a step towards bridging those gaps by directly engaging with stakeholders and advocating for much-needed policy interventions,” he stated.
Ketaki Baradalai, Executive Director of Shishu Sarothi, emphasized the difficulties disabled individuals face in securing disability certification and UDID cards, particularly in remote areas. “The multiple visits required, along with a lack of awareness about the process, have resulted in significant delays, depriving many of their rightful entitlements,” she said, stressing the need for a streamlined and accessible mechanism.
Dr. Umesh Phangcho, Director of Health Services, Assam, and Sushama Hazarika, Assam State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, were also present at the consultation.
Discussions on access to justice shed light on the systemic barriers preventing persons with disabilities from fully engaging with legal institutions. Experts pointed out that inaccessible courtrooms, procedural complexities, lack of representation, and discriminatory attitudes continue to hinder their ability to seek justice. Stakeholders urged for greater legal awareness and institutional reforms to make the judicial system more inclusive.
The consultation also raised concerns over insufficient financial allocations for disability welfare in the state budget. Despite increasing awareness of disability rights, experts stressed the need for stronger budgetary commitments to effectively implement policies promoting inclusion and accessibility, stated a press release.
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