Inclusive education must be backed by clear policies and investments to ensure that children with disabilities have equitable access to learning opportunities from the start—Arman Ali, disability rights activist
The Assam Budget 2025, presented on March 10, brings several initiatives aimed at inclusive growth and welfare. The Social Justice and Empowerment Department has been allocated Rs. 417 crore to implement various programmes, particularly for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and the transgender community. Among the key initiatives is the Deen Dayal Divyangjan Punorsansthapon Achoni, a skill development programme in collaboration with the Assam Skill Development Mission. Additionally, the state has taken steps to support visually impaired students through the Government Braille Press, which prints and supplies Braille textbooks across the Northeast.
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While these initiatives reflect the government’s intent to build an inclusive Assam, disability rights activists argue that several critical gaps remain unaddressed. The ground reality indicates that despite policy announcements, implementation and accessibility remain significant challenges for persons with disabilities in the state.
Promising Measures in the Budget
According to the Assam government, over 2,21,000 Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards have been issued to Divyangjan, streamlining their access to government welfare schemes. For the first time, the state has also introduced financial assistance for Divyang research scholars under the Jibon Prerana scheme, aiming to promote academic empowerment.
The budget also reserves a 4% quota for Divyang entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan (CMAAA) 2.0, providing them with financial and technical support to start their own ventures. These measures have been welcomed by disability rights groups as steps toward economic inclusion.
A shelter home for the transgender community is also set to be established in Guwahati, addressing the long-standing demand for a safe space and support system for transgender individuals.
Challenges in Inclusive Education
Despite these promising initiatives, concerns remain over the lack of a concrete roadmap for inclusive education. Arman Ali, a disability rights activist and Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), highlighted the need for policies that go beyond broad aspirations.
“Inclusive education must be backed by clear policies and investments to ensure that children with disabilities have equitable access to learning opportunities from the start,” Ali told GPlus. “It is not enough to just have special schools; mainstream educational institutions must be equipped with trained teachers, assistive learning technologies, and proper infrastructure to support students with disabilities.”
Parents of children with disabilities also struggle with limited options. Many schools in Assam lack proper ramps, accessible toilets, and trained special educators. While the Right to Education Act mandates inclusive learning, in reality, many disabled students drop out due to a lack of support.
Accessibility: A Persistent Barrier
For persons with disabilities, navigating Guwahati and other cities in Assam remains a challenge due to inaccessible public transport and poorly designed infrastructure. While the government has stressed the need for accessibility, activists argue that tangible changes have been slow.
“Assam’s growth, both economic and social, will be incomplete without ensuring universal accessibility in transport, public spaces, and digital platforms,” Ali pointed out. “The state should conduct accessibility audits and implement clear timelines for improving infrastructure.”
Public transport in Assam remains largely inaccessible for people with mobility impairments. Buses lack ramps, metro services are yet to be introduced, and pedestrian pathways are often uneven and difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. Government buildings, railway stations, and hospitals also lack basic accessibility features, despite legal mandates.
However, earlier talking to GPlus, an official from Assam Social Justice and Empowerment Department said, "20 government buildings in Assam are accessible. Another four are under construction, and 62 more buildings will be made accessible once funds are approved in the upcoming budget. Our aim is to ensure that all public spaces meet the necessary accessibility standards."
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, requires all public and private infrastructure to be made accessible, but compliance remains low in Assam.
Healthcare and Assistive Technology Needs
One of the major gaps in Assam’s disability policy is healthcare accessibility. There is currently no dedicated disability healthcare fund in the state. Therapy services, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation centres remain scarce, particularly in rural areas.
“A disability healthcare fund, ensuring that assistive technologies and therapy services are available and affordable, could significantly improve the quality of life for many,” Ali emphasised. “Many disabled individuals require lifelong medical support, yet specialised healthcare remains inaccessible and expensive in Assam.”
For people with hearing and speech impairments, access to sign language interpreters in hospitals and emergency services is another overlooked area. Many patients struggle to communicate their symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis or improper treatment.
Economic Empowerment and Employment Opportunities
The Assam Budget 2025 provides some encouragement for Divyang entrepreneurs, but many persons with disabilities still face barriers in securing stable employment. Government job vacancies often remain unfilled due to procedural delays, and private sector employers are hesitant to hire disabled candidates due to misconceptions about their productivity.
“Assam has a budding entrepreneurial culture, and microfinance initiatives, accessible credit, and mentorship programs specifically designed for persons with disabilities could translate into a national benchmark of inclusive development,” Ali noted. “However, these must be implemented with clear frameworks and accountability.”
While the state government has provided employment quotas for Divyangjan, activists argue that enforcement is weak. Even when disabled individuals secure jobs, workplaces are often not equipped with accessible infrastructure, making it difficult for them to work effectively.
Women with Disabilities: A Marginalised Group
Women with disabilities face double discrimination—both due to their gender and disability status. Despite various government flagship schemes for women’s empowerment, there is no specific reserved quota for women with disabilities in financial and livelihood support programs.
“Existing flagship schemes must explicitly include a reserved quota for women with disabilities to ensure they are not excluded from financial and livelihood support,” Ali stressed. “Women with disabilities are often more vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, and economic marginalisation.”
A 2018 study by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) found that women with disabilities in India face greater barriers in education, healthcare, and employment compared to their male counterparts. Assam’s policies, while inclusive in broader terms, lack a gender-specific focus within disability programs.
Moving Beyond Announcements to Action
While the Assam Budget 2025 signals the government’s intent to create an inclusive society, the challenge lies in implementation. Activists argue that mere policy announcements will not bring change unless backed by strong enforcement, monitoring, and community involvement.
“Assam has a unique opportunity to lead the way in disability inclusion,” Ali said. “But it requires ensuring accessibility, equitable policies, and institutional economic support. Budget allocations must translate into real, on-the-ground changes.”
A major demand from disability rights groups is the creation of a dedicated Disability Commission in Assam that can oversee policy implementation, monitor accessibility standards, and address grievances. Without such an institutional mechanism, many of the proposed initiatives risk remaining on paper.
As Assam takes steps toward disability inclusion, the real question remains—how soon will these promises turn into action? Will schools, public spaces, and workplaces truly become accessible for persons with disabilities? Can the government ensure that financial aid, healthcare, and employment opportunities reach those who need them the most? While the budget lays the foundation, the real challenge lies in execution. Without accountability and a clear roadmap, will these initiatives bring lasting change, or will they remain just another policy on paper?
