Disability advocates demand increased funding for inclusive development

Disability rights activists are calling for substantial financial support in the upcoming budget to address the needs of people with disabilities and ensure their development.

Arman Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Persons with Disabilities (NCPEDP), has highlighted the need to allocate specific budgets in central and state programmes of various ministries to ensure dedicated funding for inclusion of persons with disabilities. According to Ali, this approach would address diverse needs of persons with disabilities and provide adequate support across multiple sectors.

Ali also noted the urgent need for budgetary provisions to improve the accessibility of infrastructure in community hospitals, primary health care centres, district hospitals and sub-district hospitals. Without these provisions, persons with disabilities will continue to face significant barriers in accessing health services, which will affect their overall health outcomes.

(With contributions from agencies.)