Authors: Nipman Foundation, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) in collaboration with Hyundai India and NDTV
Published: November, 2024

The Samarth Initiative by Hyundai India, in partnership with NDTV, is advancing the conversation on disability inclusion by building awareness and advocating for meaningful, systemic change. Over the past year, the initiative has launched important discussions on assistive technology, inclusive education, and accessible infrastructure, challenging outdated perceptions and promoting equity for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

A whitepaper titled ‘The State of Disability in India,’ authored by Nipman Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), a sister organization of The Quantum Hub (TQH) was launched at Samarth this year. Unveiled by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice, Shri Virendra Kumar, the whitepaper sheds light on critical issues facing Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India, including accessibility, social security, employment opportunities, and societal attitudes. It also presents a Charter of Recommendations aimed at guiding policy, raising public awareness, and strengthening protections for PwDs.

The paper traces the history of the disability discourse, which has evolved from outdated charity and medical models to a rights-based approach that views PwDs as individuals entitled to full and equal rights. Groundbreaking international and Indian legislation, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act) of 2016, has enshrined these rights into law. However, real-world application has lagged, leaving significant gaps in accessibility, representation, and equity across public life.

The RPwD Act set important precedents, expanding the definition of disability and securing rights such as job reservations and accessibility standards for PwDs. Yet, its impact remains limited due to implementation challenges, inadequate social security support, and lack of political prioritization. The invisibility of PwDs persists in educational institutions, workplaces, healthcare, and public spaces, pointing to an urgent need for data-driven policy interventions that accurately capture the experiences and needs of PwDs.

In this context, The State of Disability in India paper calls for a collaborative approach to overcome these barriers. Through the Samarth Initiative there has been a beginning to take proactive steps to raise the profile of disability issues in mainstream media, highlight success stories of PwDs, and challenge prevailing misconceptions. Additionally, the initiative has hosted sensitization programs in schools across major Indian cities, inspiring the next generation to embrace inclusivity. By featuring the journeys of para-athletes and organizing the Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, Samarth celebrates the capabilities of PwDs and illustrates the transformative potential of support and recognition.

As a critical contribution to this ongoing effort, The State of Disability in India paper offers recommendations to enhance accessibility, foster inclusive education and employment opportunities, and integrate PwDs into all facets of society. The whitepaper represents a roadmap for achieving a truly inclusive India—one that acknowledges and celebrates the capabilities of all its citizens, regardless of physical or cognitive differences.

You can read the whitepaper here.

Research Team: Nipun Malhotra, Rohit Kumar, Jayashankar Vengathattil, Senu Nizar, Arushi Chopra, and Shivangi Tyagi