Disability inclusion is not an expense; it is an investment in Assam’s future," Ali said. "We cannot talk about development while excluding an entire section of society from education, employment, and public life-- Arman Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People
With the Assam State Budget 2025 set to be presented on March 10, the disabled community in the state is hoping for meaningful changes. While schemes exist on paper, implementation has often fallen short, leaving thousands struggling with accessibility, employment, healthcare, and financial security. The question remains: Will this year’s budget bring real, structural improvements?
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The Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card is meant to streamline access to benefits and services for persons with disabilities (PwDs). However, the process has not been smooth for everyone.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the Assam Social Justice Department shared the latest figures:
"Till now, we have received 6,692 applications for UDID cards. Out of these, 4,580 have been successfully issued. However, 150 applications have been rejected due to various reasons, and 1,388 are incomplete. Another 574 applications are still under processing. We are working on clearing the backlog as soon as possible."
Despite these efforts, many PwDs in Assam remain without the card, preventing them from accessing crucial government benefits.
Disability rights activist and Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), Arman Ali, spoke to GPlus about the major challenges faced by disabled individuals in Guwahati.
"Guwahati is the economic and administrative hub of the Northeast, but it is far from being inclusive. The city’s public transport is practically unusable for persons with disabilities. Footpaths are uneven or non-existent, public buildings barely meet accessibility standards, and even government offices often fail to provide basic ramps and elevators."
"The Divyang Budget for 2024-25 was a step in the right direction, but the allocation was heavily skewed toward the Women and Child Development Department. Areas like public transport accessibility, assistive technology, and disability inclusion in business were largely ignored. This year, the budget must address these gaps with specific funding."
Disability and Disaster: A Forgotten Concern
Given Assam’s vulnerability to floods, PwDs are among the most at risk during natural disasters. However, Ali points out that disaster preparedness policies rarely account for them.
"Every year, floods displace thousands, but evacuation centres and rescue operations are not designed for persons with disabilities. There is no systematic plan to ensure their safety. Assam’s disaster management policies must align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Without this, we are leaving an entire community behind in times of crisis."
Employment Remains a Distant Dream
For PwDs in Assam, finding employment is an uphill battle. Job opportunities remain scarce, and those available are often not designed with accessibility in mind.
"The cost of living with a disability is much higher than for others," Ali explained. "Yet, employment opportunities for disabled people remain extremely limited. Government hiring quotas are not enforced properly, and private sector employers hesitate to hire disabled individuals due to a lack of awareness and workplace accessibility."
He emphasised the need for stronger policies.
"The government must introduce tax incentives for companies that hire disabled employees. The public sector must also set an example by ensuring that disability quotas in government jobs are actually met. Additionally, financial support for disabled entrepreneurs should be expanded under schemes like the Deen Dayal Divyangan Punarsansthapan Achoni."
Healthcare and Assistive Devices: Still Too Expensive
Healthcare remains another major concern, with many PwDs unable to afford necessary medical services and assistive devices.
"Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and Braille displays are still considered luxury items and are taxed unnecessarily," Ali pointed out. "Why should a person with a disability have to pay high taxes on something that is essential for their mobility and independence? The government needs to remove these levies and ensure that assistive devices are available at affordable prices."
He also stressed the importance of inclusive healthcare policies:
"Persons with disabilities should be included in health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat without restrictive eligibility criteria. Right now, too many people are falling through the cracks because their disabilities do not fit within narrow definitions."
Government’s Response: Promises and Plans
The official from the Assam Social Justice Department spoke to GPlus about the steps the government is taking.
"We have signed an MoU with Assam Skill Development to provide training programmes specifically for persons with disabilities. The first phase has already begun, and we are seeing positive results. Our goal is to ensure that disabled individuals can find stable employment in various industries."
On assistive devices, the official stated: "So far, we have distributed approximately 900 wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other mobility aids across the state. We understand that this is not enough, but we are working on expanding the initiative."
Regarding accessibility in government infrastructure, he said, "At present, 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."
What Needs to Change in the 2025 Budget?
Ali emphasised that Assam needs a fundamental shift in how disability rights are approached.
"Right now, disability is treated as a welfare issue, not as a structural one. We need a dedicated Disability Infrastructure Fund to make public spaces and transport accessible. Accessibility should be a mandatory requirement in all urban development projects, not an afterthought."
He also stressed the importance of financial security. He said, "Disability pensions must be increased to at least Rs 5,000 per month to reflect the real cost of living with a disability. The government needs to recognise that social security for disabled individuals is not charity—it is their right."
Ali further called for greater transparency in budget allocations.
"The Divyang Budget should not just be an announcement—it should have a clear tracking mechanism to ensure funds actually reach the people who need them. Right now, there is no accountability."
A Message to Policymakers
As the budget session approaches, disability rights advocates are urging the government to take bold steps toward inclusivity.
"Disability inclusion is not an expense; it is an investment in Assam’s future," Ali said. "We cannot talk about development while excluding an entire section of society from education, employment, and public life. The 2025 Budget must prioritise accessibility, healthcare, and economic inclusion. At least 1% of the total budget should be dedicated to persons with disabilities."
The activist concluded with a strong message: "Nothing about us, without us. Disabled people must be included in decision-making at every level. We do not want sympathy—we want action."
As Assam awaits the 2025 Budget, the disabled community hopes that this year, their voices will finally be heard.
