Particle.news

Assam Disability Groups Draft Election Charter Pressing Parties for Policy Commitments

Organisers will submit the demands to major parties to secure pledges before the March–April Assembly polls.

Overview

  • A state-level consultation in Guwahati under NCPEDP’s ‘Mera Vote Mera Bharat’ campaign brought together over 130 participants, including OPDs and industry representatives, to consolidate a Charter of Demands.
  • Participants sought five percent reservation across governance, time-bound implementation of disability rights law, and disability- and gender-inclusive panchayats.
  • The charter calls for dedicated budget lines for inclusive education and training, incentives for universal design in the private sector, and accessible sports infrastructure in every district.
  • Affordable and accessible private health insurance for persons with disabilities was a key ask, alongside improvements to accessible electoral information and polling infrastructure.
  • Organisers noted more than two lakh registered PwD voters in Assam and said the national campaign has engaged over 20,000 people in recent state elections and the 2024 general election.