A comprehensive data system will be developed to accurately assess the status of persons with disabilities, a key decision taken at the seventh meeting of the UP State Advisory Board. The meeting was chaired by Narendra Kashyap, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and was held at Yojana Bhawan on Tuesday.

Kashyap emphasised that the government order reserving four seats in Roadways buses for free travel by persons with disabilities must be strictly followed. He also highlighted the need for proper maintenance of cochlear implants fitted for the deaf and mute.

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The minister warned that any delay or negligence in the payment of pensions to persons with disabilities would not be tolerated. Currently, more than 11 lakh persons with disabilities are receiving a maintenance pension of Rs 1,000 per month (Rs 12,000 annually). Kashyap noted that before 2017, the pension amount was only Rs 300 per month.

The meeting also approved the establishment of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) in 18 divisions (mandals). These centres will provide persons with disabilities with facilities for treatment, equipment repair and counselling.

In addition, the Urban Development Department was instructed to make all government and public buildings, parks, toilets and other public places completely barrier-free. The Transport Department was directed to ensure sensitive behaviour towards persons with disabilities on Roadways buses.

The IT and Electronics Department was told to make all departmental websites disability-friendly in line with the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) standards.

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Education departments were asked to conduct surveys of children with disabilities and ensure the availability of special educators, ramps, lifts and barrier-free toilets in schools, colleges and universities.

The meeting also reiterated the need to implement a 4 per cent horizontal reservation in jobs and a 5 per cent reservation in educational institutions for persons with disabilities.

Principal Secretary Subhash Chandra Sharma and officials from various departments were present at the meeting.