Nprd India

10/06/2025

Joint statement by disability rights organisations/individuals and other organisations/individuals demanding an end to the Genocide in Gaza. Issued on June 10, 2025

Stop the Genocide in Gaza:
Solidarity with Palestinians and the Fight for Disability Justice

We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, express our unequivocal solidarity with the Palestinian people enduring genocide — and with all those across the world who act in resistance and solidarity, including Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan, Liam Cunningham, Ann Wright, and others intercepted and detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On June 1, 2025, twelve international activists began their journey aboard the Madleen, a British-flagged sailboat organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying essential aid — baby formula, flour, medical supplies, and desalination equipment — to Gaza’s besieged population. The vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on June 8, the aid seized, and the activists kidnapped. This blatant act of piracy is part of a broader strategy: to starve, isolate, and eliminate Palestinian resistance through siege and destruction.

What is happening in Gaza is not a war — it is a genocide. Backed by Western imperial powers, Israel is carrying out the calculated destruction of an entire people through relentless bombardment, blockade, deprivation and starvation.

Palestinians with disabilities are at the epicenter of this violence. Over 15% of Gaza’s population lived with disabilities before this current wave of genocide. That number is rising rapidly due to Israel’s use of high-impact explosives, chemical weapons, and systematic destruction of infrastructure — leaving behind mass trauma, injury, and the highest rate of child amputees in the world. This my no stretch of imagination can be categorised as collateral damage.

Food systems have been destroyed. Hospitals have been bombed. Clean water and medicine are cut off. Disease is rampant. Mobility aids are destroyed, and medical care is denied. The physical and psychological toll is immeasurable — and disabled Palestinians suffer it most.

Meanwhile, those who stand up in solidarity including the likes of Greta Thunberg, an autistic and neurodivergent activist are met with arrest and repression. Their detention is meant as a threat: to silence dissent and punish resistance. We reject that threat entirely.

As a disability justice movement, we declare:

There is no disability justice without decolonization.
There is no accessibility under apartheid.
There is no liberation in systems built to destroy.

We Demand:

• The immediate release of all political prisoners detained for solidarity with Palestine.
• An immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
• An end to the genocidal blockade on Gaza.
• Full international accountability for war crimes, including those violating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
• The dismantling of settler-colonial and imperialist systems that uphold this violence.

Disability justice demands nothing less than the complete end of apartheid, genocide, and settler-colonial violence.

For over 75 years, Palestinians have resisted with unwavering courage. Our liberation is inseparable from theirs. We reject all reformist calls to "improve" or "include" within structures of death and oppression.

We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all oppressed communities resisting imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism.

From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free

Prepared by: National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD)

Endorsements from Disability Rights Organisations & Individuals:
1. Paschimbanga Rajya Pratibandhi Sammilani
2. Vikalangalu Hakkulu Jatiya Vedike, Telangana
3. Differently Abled Welfare Federation, Kerala
4. Tamilnadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled & Caregivers
5. Haryana Viklang Adhikar Manch
6. Madhya Pradesh Viklang Adhikar Manch
7. Delhi Viklang Adhikar Manch
8. Tripura Pratibandhi Adhikar Mancha
9. Karnataka State Disabled & Caregivers Federation
10. Vikalangalu Hakkulu Jatiya Vedike, Andhra Pradesh
11. Shampa Sengupta, Sruti Disability Rights Centre
12. Shashank Pandey, Politics and Disability Forum
13. Abhirupa Kar, Civilian Welfare Foundation
14. Danish Mahajan, Udaan Empowerment Trust
15. Amita Dhanda, Professor Emerita, Head Centre for Disability Studies and
Centre for Legal Philosophy and Justice Education NALSAR
16. Vijay Tiwari, West Bengal National University of Juridicial Studies
17. Ravi Ganesan, Disability Rights Activist, Bengaluru
18. Nilesh Singit, Disability Rights Activist
19. Srinidhi, Educator & Researcher, India
20. Advocate Anchal Bhatheja, New Delhi
21. Rashmi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
22. Lina Pegu, Doctoral candidate, TISS, Maharashtra
23. Amar Pawar, Disability Studies Scholar, India
24. Ekramul Haque
25. Mona Yadav, Sahas Foundation, Delhi
26. Puri Yadav, Sahas Foundation, Delhi

Endorsements from Other Organisations & Individuals:
27. All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA)
28. Nisha Siddhu, Gen. Secy, National Federation of Indian Women
29. All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS)
30. Meera Sanghamitra (National Alliance of People's Movements - NAPM), Hyderabad
31. Sudhanya Roy Chowdhury
32. Mahasweta Samajdar
33. Dipanwita
34. Hanoz Master, Head Sales Vibescapes, Thane, Maharashtra

10/02/2025

Members of Parliament Addressing the Disabled People's Assembly on February 10, 2025 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi: John Brittas, Dr. V Sivadasan, Bikashranjan Bhattacharjee, A.A. Rahim {all CPIM)}; Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Fouzia Khan (NCP), Masum Noor (TMC), P Santosh Kumar (CPI), Jose K Mani (KC-M), Haris Beeran (IUML), Ajithkumar Buyan (Ind) and Mahua Maaji (JMM).

10/02/2025

Thousands of disabled people from various parts of the country representing fourteen organisations met at Jantar in a Disabled People’s Assembly. The Assembly was convened by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD).

The focus of the Assembly was on the issue of the meager amount disbursed through the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension, which remains at a paltry Rs. 300/- since 2012.

The following Members of Parliament spoke expressing their solidarity with the cause and promising to take up the issue during the discussion on the Union Budget: John Brittas, Dr. V Sivadasan, Bikashranjan Bhattacharjee, A.A. Rahim {all CPIM)}; Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Fouzia Khan (NCP), Masum Noor (TMC), P Santosh Kumar (CPI), Jose K Mani (KC-M), Haris Beeran (IUML), Ajithkumar Buyan (Ind) and Mahua Maaji (JMM).

Various office bearers of the NPRD and also representatives from state organisations spoke at the meeting.

A memorandum containing the issues discussed at the Assembly were submitted to the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Virendra Kumar, which is attached herewith.

The Assembly also strongly condemned the Delhi Police for cancelling the permission granted for holding the Assembly at the Major Dyan Chand Stadium at the last minute, forcing the NPRD to hold it at Jantar Mantar.


Memo Submitted to the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment
February 10, 2025

Shri Virendra Kumar
Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment
Government of India

Dear Sir,

Thousands of disabled people assembled in Delhi today expressing their dismay over the fact that there has been no increase in the amount disbursed through the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme. It remains fixed at a paltry Rs. 300/- since 2012.

You are aware that the eligibility criteria for the pension scheme itself is exclusionary in nature. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 recognises persons with 40% or more of a disability as Persons with Benchmark Disabilities and makes them eligible for various entitlements. However, to be eligible for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDS) one has to have a disability of 80% or above and be in the BPL category. Also you have to attain 18 years of age. No wonder the scheme covers only 3.84% of the disabled population identified by the 2011 census.

You are also aware that taking this into account the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in a report had recommended that “ Pension amount be increased to a “reasonable amount with the provision for periodic revision so that the poor and needy disabled persons get a decent amount of pension to fulfill their basic needs”.

While states have their own schemes, paucity of funds acts as a hindrance in many states. In such a situation, it is incumbent upon the central government to increase budgetary spending for pension for the disabled, who encounter multiple levels of marginalisation.

We therefore would like to prevail upon you to impress upon the Ministry of Rural Development to:

1. Enhance the Central Share of Pension to Rs. 5,000 to ensure persons with disabilities can live with dignity and support their basic needs.

2. Enact a law guaranteeing Disability Pension a Legal Right in parliament on the lines of the Rajasthan Act of 2021.

3. Give pension be given to all those with 40% & Above of Disability and removal of the other exclusionary criteria.

4. Provide Jobs to all disabled who register for MNREGA. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act under Sec. 24(1) has the following provisio: “Provided that the quantum of assistance to the persons with disabilities under such schemes and
programmes shall be at least twenty-five per cent higher than the similar schemes applicable to others”.

01/02/2025

NPRD Statement on Union Budget: 2025-26

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) records its strong protest over the continued disdain shown towards India’s disabled population by the Modi government.

Though a 4 per cent increase is seen in the total allocation made to the nodal department, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, as compared to last year, it falls far short of what disability rights organisations and activists have been demanding for long. The total allocated to the DEPwD as percentage of overall budget is a mere 0.025 per cent.

The Scheme for the Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), which has a very important role to play not only for support to the flagship programmes like the Accessible India Campaign but also for the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, has seen a further reduction in allocation this year. From the Rs. 240.39 allocated in 2022-23 it was reduced to Rs. 135.33 last year, which has been cut further to Rs. 115.10 this year. The total allocations for various Central Sector Schemes/Projects have also been reduced from 758.01 budgeted last year to Rs. 741.80 in the current year.

Further, exposing the government’s total disregard, notwithstanding its lofty claims, is the fact that even from these meager allocations, there has been a consistent underutilization of funds over the years – 64 per cent in 2020-21, 86 per cent in 2021-22, 79 per cent in 2022-23 and 93 per cent in 2023-24.

The warning sounded by the Economic Survey, for the second consecutive year in a row around mental health issues, unfortunately, has been totally disregarded. Except for a slight increase in allocations to a few institutes, the government seems oblivious of the huge crisis that is looming. Given these circumstances, it is alarming to note that the allocations for the telemental health programme has been cut from Rs. 90 crore allotted last year to Rs. 79.60 crore this year.

That the poor and the marginalised do not figure in its priorities has been more than underlined by its refusal to increase allocations for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS). Ignoring the recommendations made by the Department Related Standing Committee for a substantial increase in disability pensions, the allocation to the IGNDPS continue to remain the same as last year at Rs. 290 crore, notwithstanding the increase in the allocations made to the Ministry of Rural Development. The refusal to enhance allocations for MNREGA will also adversely impact disabled people who seek work under the scheme.

Lack of employment opportunities compels a sizeable section of the disabled population to be dependent solely on pensions. However, the central share has been static at Rs 300/- since 2012 exposing the total apathy with the government treats the marginalised. The central government has also refused to revisit the exclusionary nature of the scheme which caters to a mere 3.8 per cent of the disabled population identified by the 2011 census.

Demanding the enactment of a Right to Pension Act, increasing the pension from Rs. 300 to Rs. 5000/- and widening its coverage to include all disabled persons recognised by the RPD Act, the NPRD will hold an assembly of disabled persons in Delhi on February 10, 2025.

03/12/2024

December 3, 2024
NPRD Message on World Disability Day 2024

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) conveys its greetings to the entire disabled people in the country on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
In its message last year the NPRD had sought to draw attention to the impact of the ongoing genocide in Gaza on people with disabilities there. A year since, their numbers have swelled. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, of the 94,460 injured, approximately 10,000 Palestinians have had their limbs amputated. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees estimates that at least ten children lose a limb every day in Gaza as a result of the Israel's war since October 7, 2023.
In India, rising communal strife and violence is also contributing to increasing the number of people with disabilities. The impact of climate change and consequent natural disasters are also adversely affecting people with disabilities. Thousands of people who became disabled consequent to the horrific Bhopal Gas Tragedy forty years earlier on December 2, 1984 continue to remain neglected. It is also time to remember that people like Stan Swamy and Dr. G N Saibaba were denied reasonable accommodations in jail and subjected to torture, which ultimately cost their lives.
A major chunk of the disabled population in India lives in pitiable conditions. They continue to be discriminated in accessing various things including but not restricted education, employment and livelihood, notwithstanding laws and policies. This has mainly been due to the abysmally low budgetary allocations to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Allocations to the department as a proportion to the total budget hover around a mere 0.025 per cent, a far cry from the 5 per cent allocation across ministries that disability rights organisations and activists have been demanding.
Despite tall claims and promises India’s disabled population continues to face systemic neglect and indifference. One of the major concerns has been the issue of rampant unemployment, which according to government’s own admission hovers around 65%. Reservations in the government sector are being undermined with large scale privatisation, outsourcing and contractualisation.
The lack of livelihood opportunities makes a huge chunk of the disabled population dependent on the miserly amount of pension doled out by the state. The central government has refused to enhance the amount given through the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension, which continues to remain at a paltry Rs. 300/- per month since 2012, notwithstanding the claims of India being a five trillion economy and so on.
On this Disability Day the NPRD reiterates its commitment to fight for an equitable and just society which will also entail the elimination of all barriers that prevent people with disabilities from achieving full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life.

09/11/2024

09 November 2024.

NPRD Press Statement.

08/11/2024

November 8, 2024
Press Statement

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) strongly condemns the heinous gang r**e of a mentally ill woman in Delhi.

Though the Delhi Police tracked down the culprits, it is really unfortunate that it is only after the lapse of over a month since the perpetration of the dreadful crime that the details have been shared. While the police demonstrated some sensitivity in managing the case, and did go out of the way to gain the confidence of the victim, the methods employed are disputable and problematic and highlight the lack of training of police personnel in handling such cases.

The disclosure of the victim’s personal information, including her educational qualifications, alma mater, professional credentials, and workplace, is also deeply concerning. This action, which contravenes Section 72 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanita, 2023, prohibits any disclosure that may reveal a victim's identity in cases of sexual abuse and stipulates a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment for violations.

Under Section 72, police or investigating officers can disclose such details only in good faith and solely for investigative purposes when necessary. However, there was no explicit requirement to disclose information relating to her workplace, education and residence publicly. Such unwarranted disclosures not only violate the legal safeguards established to protect such victims but also contribute to further societal stigma and emotional harm.

The tragic incident could have been prevented had there not been avoidable lapses on multiple fronts. The survivor’s family waited over a month before filing a missing person’s report. The police utterly failed to respond promptly to trace her whereabouts. It was after four months and the horrific crime taking place that the person could be traced. This could have been overcome had there been greater awareness and proactive response mechanisms within the community and law enforcement agencies as also accessible police services for persons with disabilities. Action should be initiated

It also needs to be stressed that this incident has to be seen in the overall context of increasing cases of sexual assaults on women, including disabled women, in the country.

(Muralidharan)
General Secretary

30/10/2024

Speaking at the Saibaba Memorial held in New Delhi on October 21, 2024

Muralidharan, General Secretary of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) speaking at the meeting organised by the NPRD in memory of Dr....

24/10/2024

https://www.ibc24.in/country/nprd-strongly-opposes-amendment-in-disability-rules-2766711.html

दिव्यांगता नियमों में संशोधन का एनपीआरडी ने कड़ा विरोध किया

24/10/2024

Nprd India statement covered in Indian Express

The new rules, the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled has said, make the process of availing disability certificates more stringent and cumbersome

24/10/2024

Excerpts from Dr. G.N. Saibaba's address to the press on March 8, 2024, at Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, New Delhi after being acquitted and released from prison.

24/10/2024

Excerpts from Dr. G.N. Saibaba's address to the press on March 8, 2024, at Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, New Delhi, after being acquitted and released from prison.