New Delhi, February 12, 2025: In a rare show of unity, members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) came together at the Disabled People’s Assembly organized by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) on February 10, 2025. The event, held at Jantar Mantar, saw thousands of disabled individuals from across the country gather to demand an increase in the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension (IGNDP) and the removal of exclusionary criteria in the scheme.
The Assembly was attended by representatives from 14 organizations, along with Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, including CPI(M)’s John Brittas, Dr. V Sivadasan, Bikashranjan Bhattacharjee, and A.A. Rahim, as well as TMC’s Masum Noor. Other prominent attendees included Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Fouzia Khan (NCP), P Santosh Kumar (CPI), Jose K Mani (KC-M), Haris Beeran (IUML), Ajithkumar Buyan (Independent), and Mahua Maaji (JMM).
The primary focus of the Assembly was the meager amount of Rs. 300 per month provided under the IGNDP, which has remained unchanged since 2012. Speakers at the event condemned the central government for its apathy toward the disabled community and called for immediate reforms to ensure dignity and basic needs for persons with disabilities.
Key Demands Highlighted at the Assembly
The NPRD submitted a memorandum to the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Virendra Kumar, outlining the following demands:
1. Increase Central Share of Pension to Rs. 5,000: The current amount of Rs. 300 is insufficient to meet basic needs, and the central government must enhance the pension to ensure a dignified life for disabled individuals.
2. Enact a Law Guaranteeing Disability Pension as a Legal Right: The NPRD urged the government to follow the example of the Rajasthan Disability Pension Act, 2021, and make disability pension a legal entitlement.
3. Remove Exclusionary Criteria: The NPRD demanded that the eligibility criteria for the pension scheme be expanded to include all individuals with 40% or more disability, as recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, instead of the current requirement of 80% disability and BPL status.
4. Ensure Employment Opportunities: The NPRD called for the provision of jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) for all disabled individuals who register, in line with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Condemnation of Delhi Police’s Last-Minute Venue Change
The Assembly also strongly criticized the Delhi Police for revoking permission to hold the event at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium at the last minute, forcing organizers to shift the venue to Jantar Mantar. Despite the setback, the event saw a massive turnout, with participants expressing their determination to fight for their rights.
MPs Pledge Support
Several MPs who attended the event pledged to raise the issue during the upcoming Union Budget discussions. They emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocations for disability pensions and the implementation of inclusive policies to address the challenges faced by the disabled community.
The NPRD’s memorandum highlighted the exclusionary nature of the current pension scheme, which covers only 3.84% of the disabled population identified in the 2011 census. The organization urged the central government to take immediate steps to address the systemic marginalization of disabled individuals and ensure their inclusion in social welfare schemes.
The Disabled People’s Assembly marked a significant moment of solidarity among political parties and disabled rights activists, who united to demand justice and equality for one of the most marginalized sections of society. As the demands gain traction, all eyes are now on the central government to see if it will take concrete steps to address the long-standing grievances of the disabled community.
