Cong and CPM manifestos promise to include prohibition of discrimination on grounds of 'disability' in the Constitution

NEW DELHI: Releasing its manifesto, the Congress also put a slew of provisions for persons with disabilities including the assurance to expand Article 15 and 16 of the Constitution to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of ‘disability’, ‘impairment’ or ‘sexual orientation’.

"The central government’s contribution to pensions for senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities under the National Social Assistance Programme remains a pitiful 200 - 500 per month. Congress will raise this amount to 1,000 per month," the Congress manifesto states. Bringing focus on making communication and learning accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Grand Old Party has said that if elected, it will "recognise the Braille script and sign language as languages."

"We will establish a 'National Centre of Research and Excellence for Special Education' to ensure that quality education is imparted to children with special needs and children with disabilities" the manifesto states. "As was done in Chhattisgarh, Congress will provide representation for persons with disabilities in local government bodies," the party further states while promising to "strictly enforce" the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Party also shared its vision for a scheme to establish assisted living and care Centres for the disabled in public-private partnership throughout the country

A day earlier, the CPI(M) also in its manifesto dedicated a section to issues affecting PwDs as it promised to introduce disability budgeting in line with gender budgeting; 5% allocations across ministries be earmarked for the disabled and removal of GST on aids and appliances.

The left party, too like the Congress, has assured that if given a chance it will bring amendments to Article 15 and 16 of the Constitution to include “disability” as a ground on which discrimination is prohibited.

From ensuring the universal validity of the ‘Unique Disability ID’ cards to extending reservations in education and employment to the private sector and paving the way for uniform disability pension of a minimum of Rs 6000 - the CPI (M) manifesto also brings focus on supporting women with disabilities for livelihood and housing as well as for exercising sexual and reproductive right.

In the first reactions to the manifestos from two national parties, disability rights activist and executive director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, Arman Ali said, “The Congress party's announcement in their manifesto to expanding Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution to include protection against discrimination based on disability is not just a policy announcement; it's a seismic shift in how our society perceives and includes persons with disabilities.”

“For too long, we've been relegated to the sidelines, seen as mere beneficiaries of welfare programs rather than as active contributors to the nation's progress. By recognizing disability alongside other grounds of discrimination, such as race or gender, Congress is sending a powerful message: Disability rights are human rights, and they must be enshrined in our constitutional framework.”

“I call on all political parties to follow suit, to embrace disability as a fundamental aspect of diversity, and to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in every aspect of national life,” Ali asserted.

National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) general secretary Muralidharan said, “It is good that the first two manifestos by national parties that have been released include demands and concerns of persons with disabilities. We hope other parties including the regional ones will follow.”

“As far as the CPI(M) is concerned it has been including the issues of disabled in its manifesto since the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Though initially it began with four demands, it increased subsequently in 2014 and 2019. This time it is more comprehensive in nature. Though not a major force in comparison with others, the party spelling out these demands does cast an impact,” he added.

Muralidharan further highlighted that the Congress too has been incorporating demands of the disability sector since the last few elections. Though, not as comprehensive as the CPI(M). “Efforts of disability groups have paid off. But what would ultimately matter is that these promises are implemented,” he emphasised.

Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search