Bengaluru, February 10, 2025: In the South India Regional Consultation convened by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and The Association of People with Disability (APD), in collaboration with the Karnataka State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Group said that Karnataka should become a ‘model state’ by introducing more first-of-its-kind projects such as Rs 1000 per month allowance to the caregivers of the disabled people.
The two-day consultation brought together key stakeholders to discuss disability-related challenges and policy advancements.
Das Suryavanshi, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Karnataka, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure holistic development for persons with disabilities. “The government has much to offer, and a united disability sector can help achieve it. Southern states must collaborate to amplify their impact. DPOs should convene to guide the government in implementation. With Sugamyatra underway, launching the YestoAccess App is key to advancing accessibility. Such consultations are vital to our goals,” he stated.
A major highlight of the consultation was the discussion on the allocation of Rs. 1,000 monthly allowance program for caregivers of persons with disabilities, a pioneering initiative that sets Karnataka apart from other Indian states.
Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, highlighting the need for more proactive measures from the govt with a collaborative approach. “Karnataka’s disabled population stands at 13.24 lakh as per the 2011 census, a comprehensive ecosystem is required to enable persons with disabilities to lead dignified lives,” he remarked. Speaking about the union budget 2025, Ali said, “Despite claiming “inclusivity” as its ‘guiding spirit’, the Union Budget 2025 has ignored India’s disabled population. No policies, no financial support, no push for assistive tech, no relief for disabled entrepreneurs. Empowerment needs inclusion”.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions on health disparities affecting persons with disabilities, including obstacles such as inaccessible healthcare facilities and discrimination. They advocated for disability-inclusive health policies at local, state, and national levels and emphasized the necessity of integrating disability-specific provisions into existing health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Legal rights and protections for disabled individuals were also a focal point of the discussions. Experts highlighted the importance of ensuring accessibility in public spaces and transportation. DPOs emphasised on the need for more disability sensitized lawyers who can take up pro-bono work. Such lawyers if connected with District level legal aid centres can cater to legal needs of disabled persons.
Another key issue addressed was the political participation of persons with disabilities. Participants stressed the urgent need to enhance awareness about their voting rights and the barriers they face in accessing political processes. The discussion emphasised the importance of consolidating the voices of millions of disabled individuals to ensure greater representation in policymaking and governance.
Speaking about the missing millions from the mainstream discourse, Diwakar Menon, Board Member, APD said, “A few years ago, Karnataka, in association with municipal bodies, conducted a survey to understand why disabled people are rarely seen in public spaces. The findings pointed to reasons such as the lack of tactile paths, ramps, and accessible washrooms. Assessing and implementing the Harmonized Guidelines for accessibility remains challenging.”