NCPEDP seeks inclusive standards, affordable access in draft assistive technology rules

Crossdisability advocacy group NCPEDP has called for inclusive standards affordability innovation and improved access to assistive technology under the proposed Assistive Products and Technology Standards and Accessibility RulesThe National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People NCPEDP which is working to advance accessibility inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in India held a stakeholder consultation on the proposed rules on MondayThe event brought together more than 100 participants from disability organisations research institutions and industry bodiesThe draft rules published by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment propose provisions covering product classification standards and certification financial assistance procurement repair and replacement and accountability mechanisms the organisation said in a statementA key recommendation emerging from the consultation was the need for a dedicated certification and regulatory mechanism for assistive technology particularly nonmedical products that fall outside existing frameworksParticipants suggested distinguishing between products and services exploring accreditation through the Quality Council of India for services and aligning product standards with Bureau of Indian Standards requirementsThe discussion also highlighted the need for a clearer functionoriented definition of assistive technology and proportionate compliance requirements including selfcertification options for startups and micro small and medium enterprisesOn procurement and affordability participants recommended moving beyond a governmentled device distribution model towards mechanisms that enable persons with disabilities to choose assistive products suited to their individual needsSuggestions included voucherbased assistance and insurancelinked financing to improve access and reduce outofpocket expenditureNCPEDP Chairman Pradeep Gupta proposed creating a fund of funds to support assistive technology innovators including startupsOther recommendations included pilot procurement orders for emerging developers and productionlinked incentives to encourage manufacturing and market accessParticipants also emphasised decentralised repair and replacement facilities provisions recognising the right to repair and stronger monitoring mechanismsProposals included a national tollfree helpline an accident reporting database and improved tracking of assistive productsNCPEDP Executive Director Arman Ali welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of incorporating disability perspectives into the proposed regulatory frameworkHe also reiterated the organisations call for a comprehensive National Assistive Technology Policy to address structural gaps in Indias assistive technology ecosystem the statement saidThe consultation builds on NCPEDPs White Paper on Assistive Technology in India launched in partnership with Mphasis in June 2026 The paper estimated Indias potential assistive technology market at Rs 7500095000 crore by 2030 subject to an enabling policy frameworkNCPEDP will consolidate the inputs and recommendations emerging from the consultation into a formal submission to the Ministry of Social Justice and EmpowermentThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever