NCPEDP Calls for Political Reservation for Persons with Disabilities Alongside Women’s Reservation Bill

As Parliament gears up to discuss the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act proposing 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has advocated for political reservation for persons with disabilities (PwDs). NCPEDP emphasized the need for inclusive representation, highlighting the historic opportunity presented by the ongoing reform movement to address the underrepresentation of PwDs in decision-making roles.
The organization has reached out to key political figures, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and leaders from various parties, urging the incorporation of political reservation for PwDs within the broader electoral reform agenda. Arman Ali, the Executive Director of NCPEDP, stressed the importance of not only advancing women’s political participation but also ensuring broader inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Referring to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, NCPEDP pointed out that although “political barriers” are officially recognized, the lack of representation leads to the neglect of disability-related issues in policy formulation. The organization highlighted India’s substantial population of PwDs, with over 2.68 crore individuals identified in the 2011 Census, a number believed to be underestimated.
With the upcoming Census expected to provide updated data, the call for direct political representation for PwDs has intensified. NCPEDP emphasized that the proposed increase in legislative seats offers a practical avenue to accommodate reservations for PwDs without affecting existing categories. The organization has been actively working to enhance political engagement among PwDs, launching initiatives like the “Manifesto For and By Persons with Disabilities” during the 2024 General Elections and engaging with political parties to promote inclusivity.
NCPEDP highlighted successful examples from states like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, where reservations for PwDs have been implemented at the local level, showcasing the feasibility and effectiveness of such measures. The organization urged Members of Parliament to address this issue during the current session and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and representative democracy.