Urgent Appeal to Ensure Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Upcoming 2025-26 Census. Let’s Ensure Every PwD is Counted and Empowered.
Twinkle Soni
To,
The Chairperson & Office Bearers,
Census of India
Meity
National & State's Women's Commission
National & State Survey Commission
& Ministry of Statistics & Planning Implementation
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Ncsc, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Contact No.
Cc: Hon. Cm & CS, All States & Union territories, India
Cc: The Chairperson & Committee Members, Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology , Parliament of India
Cc: Sri Ajay Bhalla ji, Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, India
Cc: All Persons with Disabilities, Their Parents, State & Central Govt. Department & Ministries, NGOs, Advocates, Media and Concerned Authorities
Subject: Urgent Appeal to Ensure Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Upcoming 2025-26 Census. Let’s Ensure Every PwD is Counted and Empowered.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, am writing to request that all Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across India be ensured the opportunity to rightfully enroll themselves in the upcoming 2025-26 Census as citizens with disabilities, securing their rightful recognition and access to essential benefits and protections under the law. This is especially critical as it will directly affect women with disabilities, as well as Persons with Disabilities of all castes and creeds, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minorities, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Tribals and other weaker sections of society."
It is a matter of concern that, at present, the population of citizens with disabilities in India is approximately 10-12 crores, which is a significant number. However, it is worth noting that in the last Lok Sabha elections 2024, only 88-90 lakh citizens with disabilities were registered as voters with disabilities. This clearly highlights the discrimination, ignorance, and failure to implement the UNCRPD, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and other legal protections that safeguard the dignity and rights of citizens with disabilities in India. It is high time to ensure the enrollment of all citizens with disabilities in the upcoming Census of India 2025-26 and beyond.
We, the representatives of India, now call upon all stakeholders on behalf of the disabled community to raise our voices and join hands in our noble mission: "Nothing about us without us."
It is imperative that all PwDs register their names under the appropriate category of disability (such as visual, auditory, locomotor, intellectual, etc.), along with their percentage of disability, as defined by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and subsequent guidelines issued by the Census Commission of India. Failing to do so may lead to significant drawbacks, including:
Loss of Rights and Benefits:
Many welfare schemes, reservations in education and employment, financial aid, and legal protections are only accessible to those officially recognized as PwDs in government records.
Exclusion from Policy Formulation:
The government allocates resources and frames policies based on census data. If PwDs are underreported, their needs may not be adequately addressed in future planning.
Impact on Representation:
Without accurate data, efforts for better accessibility, infrastructure improvements, and policy advocacy for PwDs will remain incomplete.
Missed Opportunities for Future Support:
Various national and international organizations rely on official census data to fund and support disability-related initiatives.
Impact on Political Strength:
Underreporting in the census weakens the political voice of PwDs, potentially leading to reduced political rights and influence.
Call to Action
Call to Action
We, therefore, make a humble appeal to:
All Persons with Disabilities and Their Families:
Ensure your name is enrolled as a citizen with disabilities in the census before the official deadline.
Seek assistance if needed from local NGOs and disability advocates or by calling the helpline at [Insert Helpline Number].
NGOs, Disability Advocates, and Welfare Organizations:
Actively conduct registration camps, translate materials into local languages, and collaborate with community leaders to assist PwDs in the registration process.
Door-to-door assistance should be provided where necessary.
The Media:
Highlight personal stories of PwDs who have benefited from government schemes.
Raise awareness about the challenges faced due to underreporting.
Encourage the use of social media campaigns and hashtags to maximize outreach.
Specific Appeals
A. To the Census Commission of India:
Training, Sensitization, and Engagement of Census Representatives
Accessible Census Materials
Dedicated Helpline
Data Disaggregation
Collaboration with Disability Organizations
Monitoring Mechanism
Public Awareness Campaign
Simplified Registration Process
B. To Hon. PM, President, Member of Parliament, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, and State Ministers in Charge of Social Justice and Welfare of All States and Union Territories:
State-Level Coordination
Resource Allocation
District-Level Monitoring
Convergence of Schemes
Data Utilization
Accessibility Audit
Awareness Generation & Local Language Support
C. To the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India:
National Coordination
Funding and Support
Best Practices Sharing
Data Analysis and Dissemination
Policy Advocacy
Collaboration with International Organizations
National Helpline
D. To MeitY, the Department of Information and Technology, Corporate, Industrial Sectors, and Associations like ASSOCHAM, FICCI, IBA, IMA, and Chambers of Commerce etc:
Raise Awareness
Accessible Workplaces
Leverage Technology
CSR Initiatives
Policy Support
Employment Opportunities
Financial Support
We further request that the Census Commission of India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and State Governments consider this appeal as a precursor to a more comprehensive request/memorandum that Divyang Forum 2023 and other disability rights organizations are submitting now and in the future. Please treat this with the highest priority.
Legal and Policy Reference
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates equal opportunities and protection of rights for PwDs. It is essential that PwDs are counted in the census to ensure they receive all entitlements under this law. Additionally, the Census Commission of India has issued guidelines for PwD registration.
How to Register?
For detailed information on the registration process, visit [Insert Official Government Website if any available].
Join the Movement – Spread the Word
Let us come together to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Don't forget to remember: "Nothing about us without us." It is essential to accurately include the present population of Persons with Disabilities in all surveys, data, and information, including the Census of India.
With sincere regards,
Jitendra Kumar Soni ( PwDs)
Convenor, Divyang Forum 2023
Address: 49/19, Rabindra Sarani, Opp. Shanti Niketan Hall, Near Jalan Variety Shop, Rishra, Hooghly, West Bengal - 712248
Mobile: 7439848244 / 7044337707
Email: sonitwi...@gmail.com / divyangf...@gmail.com
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