by Mohammad Auyoob Mir
The community of persons with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved remarkable progress. They are excelling in various fields, including education, and social and cultural arenas, and are increasingly asserting their political rights
When political parties are established, their purpose goes beyond merely forming governments or serving as the opposition. They have a profound impact on uplifting society in all its aspects. Among their many responsibilities, political parties play a crucial role in promoting political participation and social integration across various segments of society, including those that have been marginalized.
This article seeks to highlight the vital role and responsibility of political parties in empowering individuals with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between individuals with disabilities, disability organizations, scholars, disability leaders, and political parties. By working together, they can achieve the shared goal of creating an inclusive and progressive society.
There are approximately 16% of the global population who are persons with disabilities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that 80% of these individuals reside in low-income countries, commonly referred to as the Global South.
In India, persons with disabilities comprise 2.4% of the total population, as per the 2011 census. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir also has a significant number of persons with disabilities. Despite their considerable presence, persons with disabilities in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, remain one of the most disadvantaged groups in all aspects of life. This includes the socio-political sphere, where they face significant barriers and discrimination.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) enshrines the right of disabled individuals to participate in elections and public affairs in Article 29. As a signatory to this convention, India has a binding obligation to introduce and implement measures that guarantee the social and political inclusion of persons with disabilities.
It is crucial to acknowledge that global developments have profoundly impacted the disability sector worldwide. Through their tireless efforts and advocacy, persons with disabilities have successfully shifted the narrative, transitioning from being viewed as objects of charity to being recognized as subjects of human rights.
Jammu and Kashmir has mirrored these global trends. In this region, the perception of disability has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from being solely regarded as a medical or charity issue to being recognized as a broader social concern, and more recently, a pressing human rights issue. This shift in perspective has far-reaching implications for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The community of persons with disabilities in Jammu and Kashmir has achieved remarkable progress. They are excelling in various fields, including education, and social and cultural arenas, and are increasingly asserting their political rights. A significant milestone in this journey was the one-day convention for political representation held in the Anantnag district on August 24, 2024. This event brought together prominent figures and organizations, including the Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association and the Jammu and Kashmir Orphans, Widows, and Disabled Trust.
The convention marked a pivotal moment in the history of the disability rights movement in Jammu and Kashmir. The achievement of political representation is a major triumph for this community, enabling them to have a voice in lawmaking bodies and advancing the goal of inclusion.
To build on this momentum, it is essential that governmental agencies, officials, institutions, civil society organizations, media, and political parties not only acknowledge the efforts of this community but also take concrete measures to integrate them into the mainstream. This includes providing support and opportunities to ensure their active participation in the political process.
Political parties have a crucial role to play in driving forward the progress of disability rights. To achieve this, they can take the following steps:
Firstly, they should actively encourage disability leaders to join their ranks. This entails providing them with meaningful roles and responsibilities, enabling them to contribute their expertise and experience to the party’s decision-making processes.
Secondly, political parties should establish dedicated disability wings or cells within their organisations. Just as they have specialized wings for women, youth, Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Scheduled Castes (SC), recognizing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities is essential. By creating dedicated disability wings, parties can provide a platform for persons with disabilities to engage in the political process and ensure their concerns are addressed. This structural change can help amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity within the party’s framework.
Political parties have a critical role to play in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. To achieve this, they should prioritize raising issues concerning persons with disabilities in legislative bodies, both at the local and higher levels. This includes actively participating in debates, tabling relevant bills, and pushing for policy changes that promote inclusivity.
In addition to legislative advocacy, political parties should also focus on raising societal awareness about the rights and concerns of persons with disabilities. This can be achieved through public campaigns, events, and media engagement, helping to challenge stigmas and promote a more inclusive environment.
Crucially, achieving these goals requires the active involvement of persons with disabilities themselves. They should proactively engage with political leaders, inviting them to participate in programs and conventions related to politics. This collaborative approach will foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities. By working together, political parties and disability rights advocates can create a more equitable society that values the contributions of all individuals.
(The author is a PhD scholar in the Department of Political Science at Aligarh Muslim University. He can be reached at [email protected]. Ideas are personal.)
