Demand for census

Not included in 1991 census, but included in 2011

The 1991 Census ignored us, the 2011 Census undercounted us. Fingers crossed, 2027 does not ghost us.

Most under counted population

Persons with disabilities have been among the most undercounted population in India’s census.

Statistically invisible between 1947 and 1971

They were statistically invisible between 1941 and 1971.

Acknowledged in 1981 census

It wasn’t until 1981 that disability was even acknowledged in the census, dropped again in 1991, only to reappear in 2001 and 2011.

8 categories added in 2011 census

Only eight categories of disability were covered in the 2011 census.

Enumerators have minimal training

Enumerators received minimal training on disability awareness or gender sensitivity, which further contributed to underreporting.

2011 - recorded only 2.21% as persons with disabilities

In 2011, the census recorded only 2.21 per cent of India’s population—around 2.68 million individuals—as persons with disabilities.

WHO data number is 10 times more

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 16 per cent of the global population lives with some form of disability. Therefore, in India, this would mean over 200 million persons with disabilities—more than seven times the official count.

UN data contradicts 2011 census

According to the United Nations, disability prevalence is higher among women (19 per cent) than men (12 per cent), with women comprising up to three-quarters of persons with disabilities in low and middle-income countries. Yet, the census 2011 highlighted only 11.8 million women with disabilities, compared to 15 million men.

Politically insignificant

When people are statistically invisible, they become politically insignificant. Persons with disabilities are not seen as a large enough constituency to warrant attention, either as a group making electoral claims or as a vote bank worth courting. This invisibility carries over into how budgets are framed.

Budget allocation was 0.025% in 2025

Union Budget 2025, for example, where the budget for disability was a mere 0.025 per cent—a glaring oversight.

Horizontal identity across religions, caste

Part of the challenge is that disability is a horizontal identity—cutting across caste, religion, gender, and class—in many ways, it is a class apart. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Asking better questions

The Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG), under the UN Statistical Commission, offers a functional approach through a six-question set most suited for national censuses.

6 question set by UN Statistical commission

These questions ask about difficulties in seeing, hearing, walking, self-care, cognition, and communication using a graded response scale that captures the spectrum of disability experience.

Train enumerators and interpreters

Enumerators must also be trained in identifying a wide range of disabilities, including the non-apparent ones

Trained interpreters should be made available.

Made accessible in different formats

The Census process must be made accessible through Indian Sign Language, Braille, and screen reader-friendly materials.

People must be encouraged to self-identify without fear or shame.

@ Disability must be recognised not only in its visible forms but in its full diversity. Print

November 2025

80% Indians with disabilities have no health insurance

Invisible in the Fine Print: Disability, Discrimination and Health Insurance in India survey

$ A new survey has revealed that nearly 16 crore persons (80%) with disabilities in India have been excluded from health insurance systems.

By

Conducted by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (an NGO), working for rights and economic empowerment of disabled people, across 34 states and Union Territories.

Major barriers faced

Inflated premiums
Discriminatory clauses
Technical exclusions
Inaccessible websites
Lack of awareness
High rejection rates
Digital inaccessibility
Insurance agents are also not sensitised enough to help the disabled people.

Families spend nearly 1/5th of their monthly income for PwD

Families with disabled members spend nearly one-fifth of their monthly income on disability-related needs. 57% of them face “catastrophic health costs”, gradually pushing many families below the poverty line.

42% of PwD are unaware

Data from Ayushman Bharat Yojana, stated that 42% people with disabilities did not apply for insurance due to a lack of information. The report also mentioned the lack of support from insurance providers. 46% applications were rejected due to the exclusion of disability specific tests and treatments.

War forwards

Inclusion of PwD under Ayushman Bharat

NCPEDP has been pushing for inclusion of persons with disabilities under Ayushman Bharat, without age or income criteria. The NGO also emphasizes on expanding insurance coverage to also include mental health, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies.

“If India can include all senior citizens (above 70) in Ayushman Bharat, there is no justification to exclude persons with disabilities- who face equal or greater health vulnerabilities,” said Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP.

Formation of Disability Inclusion Committee

It recommends forming a Disability Inclusion Committee within the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and standardising premiums across insurance companies. Print