New Delhi, Nov 2 Cross-disability 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) Rules.
The 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 Monday.
The event brought together more than 100 participants from disability organisations, research institutions and industry bodies.
The 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 statement.
A key recommendation emerging from the consultation was the need for a dedicated certification and regulatory mechanism for assistive technology, particularly non-medical products that fall outside existing frameworks.
Participants 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 requirements.
The discussion also highlighted the need for a clearer, function-oriented definition of assistive technology and proportionate compliance requirements, including self-certification options for startups and micro, small and medium enterprises.
On procurement and affordability, participants recommended moving beyond a government-led device distribution model towards mechanisms that enable persons with disabilities to choose assistive products suited to their individual needs.
Suggestions included voucher-based assistance and insurance-linked financing to improve access and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.
NCPEDP Chairman Pradeep Gupta proposed creating a fund of funds to support assistive technology innovators, including startups.
Other recommendations included pilot procurement orders for emerging developers and production-linked incentives to encourage manufacturing and market access.
Participants also emphasised decentralised repair and replacement facilities, provisions recognising the right to repair and stronger monitoring mechanisms.
Proposals included a national toll-free helpline, an accident reporting database and improved tracking of assistive products.
NCPEDP Executive Director Arman Ali welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of incorporating disability perspectives into the proposed regulatory framework.
He also reiterated the organisation’s call for a comprehensive National Assistive Technology Policy to address structural gaps in India’s assistive technology ecosystem, the statement said.
The consultation builds on NCPEDP’s White Paper on Assistive Technology in India, launched in partnership with Mphasis in June 2026. The paper estimated India’s potential assistive technology market at Rs 75,000-95,000 crore by 2030, subject to an enabling policy framework.
NCPEDP will consolidate the inputs and recommendations emerging from the consultation into a formal submission to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
(PTI News)
