A call for PWD inclusion in Meghalaya

The fatalities associated with the Cherry Blossom Festival highlight critical lessons that cannot be ignored. Meghalaya, with its enthusiastic focus on tourism, must adopt a more balanced approach. Regarding persons with disabilities (PWDs), Census 2011 data reveals that 7.62% of disabled individuals in the country are aged 0-6 years. Bihar records the highest percentage of disabled children in its disabled population at 12.48%, followed by Meghalaya at 11.41%, while Kerala reports the lowest at 3.44%.

The State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs (SRCDA) and the State Society for the Implementation of Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (SSIPRD) contribute to the welfare of PWDs in Meghalaya. However, the critical question remains—are these efforts sufficient? Clearly, they are not.

The Government of Meghalaya should actively collaborate with reputed NGOs that are making impactful contributions to this cause. Involvement of such organisations can bring about the holistic development of PWDs by providing special education, engaging stakeholders, establishing effective frameworks, conducting evaluations, and achieving tangible outcomes.

As the state with the second-highest proportion of PWDs in the country, Meghalaya requires a more concentrated approach to foster inclusivity. Specially abled children and their parents need comprehensive support, including rehabilitation and training. Adults with disabilities require medical care, rehabilitation and capacity-building initiatives for families and stakeholders.

Census 2011 reports that 70% of India’s 2.68 crore Specially Abled Individuals (SAIs) live in rural areas, making Meghalaya’s rural focus crucial.

The state must address challenges like improving functional abilities—speaking, walking, and hearing—enhancing access to low-interest financing for business or household needs, and providing aids and appliances for mobility and independence. These efforts can lead to a significant shift in the mindset of PWDs and their families, improving their quality of life.

Recently, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted at the Shillong Literary Festival that Meghalaya has a younger population compared to the rest of India. However, does the government have a youth policy to channel this demographic’s potential for the state’s development?

Meghalaya is ranked as the third poorest state in India, according to the NITI Aayog poverty status survey. The CM announced an investment of Rs 4,000 crore to develop tourism infrastructure, including hotels, homestays, and amenities. But when will we hear a similar commitment to the cause of PWDs in the state?

With a concerted approach, an index to measure Quality of Life improvements for SAIs can be developed so that it becomes a model for other states to follow. Such an index can be customised to include factors like human and social capital, type and percentage of disability, financial conditions, family support, health prognosis, and minimum health improvement expectations. This would provide a clear picture of progress—PWDs gaining employment or regular income post-training, access to entitlements under The Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, improved mobility, reduced dependency on caregivers, enhanced emotional and physical well-being, and development of self-confidence, leadership skills and personality.

A focused, strategic approach is essential for Meghalaya to foster inclusivity and improve the lives of its Specially Abled Individuals.

(Views are personal)