The Union Government of India was recently snubbed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment for lacking an accurate estimation of the number of persons with disabilities living in India. Despite the lack of comprehensive data on disabled individuals, the government has also recently dropped disability-related questions from the National Family Health Survey-6. As a result of the lack of data, the allocation of resources, determination of targets and assessment for trained professionals has fallen short since the projections of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the social justice ministry still quote the old figure, stated the report of the parliamentary committee. [1]
But what are the implications of this lack of data?
The absence of reliable government data and estimation of the number of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India poses major challenges, including perpetuating exclusion and inequality, and hindering their socio-economic development and integration in the society. The current lack of data is responsible for inadequate formulation and implementation of welfare policies. It also leads to misallocation of funds for existing welfare schemes and policies that may be designed to address the needs – including specialised healthcare needs, access to education and employment opportunities – of PwDs, especially of those belonging to marginalised communities. Further, this lack of data will also hamper advocacy measures aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by PwDs and promoting inclusive attitudes among the larger populace. This will lead to discriminatory attitudes and prejudiced notions against PwDs while also impairing their basic human rights, respect, and human dignity.
This severely impacts the government’s ability to address the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and foster an inclusive and progressive society. Around 26.8 million people in India live with disabilities, making up approximately 2.21%of our total population, according to the Census of 2011. However, these numbers would have changed drastically over the past decade – more so owing to the nuanced understanding of how disabilities are defined now.
We agree with the committee which has recommended the government, that there is “an urgent requirement to explore innovative solutions to this issue. We therefore reiterate earlier recommendation that the department must explore other avenues and collaborate with the State governments and other departments / organisations which are engaged in implementation of the schemes for welfare of PwDs to arrive at a realistic assessment of the PwD population in the country.” [2]
There is an urgent need to address these issues and the government must act. To address these pressing concerns, we demand the following actions:
Until the data from the latest Census is made available, the government of India should collaborate with state governments to adopt innovative ways of conducting comprehensive surveys specifically aimed at accurately estimating the population of persons with disabilities. These surveys must be designed inclusively to ensure that all disabilities covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are included.
Involve organisations led by and working with PwDs in the design and execution of the surveys.
Include questions regarding disabilities in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) questionnaire.
References:
The Union Government of India was recently snubbed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment for lacking an accurate estimation of the number of persons with disabilities living in India. Despite the lack of comprehensive data on disabled individuals, the government has also recently dropped disability-related questions from the National Family Health Survey-6. As a result of the lack of data, the allocation of resources, determination of targets and assessment for trained professionals has fallen short since the projections of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the social justice ministry still quote the old figure, stated the report of the parliamentary committee. [1]
But what are the implications of this lack of data?
The absence of reliable government data and estimation of the number of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India poses major challenges, including perpetuating exclusion and inequality, and hindering their socio-economic development and integration in the society. The current lack of data is responsible for inadequate formulation and implementation of welfare policies. It also leads to misallocation of funds for existing welfare schemes and policies that may be designed to address the needs – including specialised healthcare needs, access to education and employment opportunities – of PwDs, especially of those belonging to marginalised communities. Further, this lack of data will also hamper advocacy measures aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by PwDs and promoting inclusive attitudes among the larger populace. This will lead to discriminatory attitudes and prejudiced notions against PwDs while also impairing their basic human rights, respect, and human dignity.
This severely impacts the government’s ability to address the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and foster an inclusive and progressive society. Around 26.8 million people in India live with disabilities, making up approximately 2.21%of our total population, according to the Census of 2011. However, these numbers would have changed drastically over the past decade – more so owing to the nuanced understanding of how disabilities are defined now.
We agree with the committee which has recommended the government, that there is “an urgent requirement to explore innovative solutions to this issue. We therefore reiterate earlier recommendation that the department must explore other avenues and collaborate with the State governments and other departments / organisations which are engaged in implementation of the schemes for welfare of PwDs to arrive at a realistic assessment of the PwD population in the country.” [2]
There is an urgent need to address these issues and the government must act. To address these pressing concerns, we demand the following actions:
Until the data from the latest Census is made available, the government of India should collaborate with state governments to adopt innovative ways of conducting comprehensive surveys specifically aimed at accurately estimating the population of persons with disabilities. These surveys must be designed inclusively to ensure that all disabilities covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are included.
Involve organisations led by and working with PwDs in the design and execution of the surveys.
Include questions regarding disabilities in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) questionnaire.
References: