Delhi Assembly Committee Pushes for Easier Services and Greater Self-Reliance for Persons with Disabilities and Transgender People

New Delhi: A Delhi Assembly committee has discussed measures to improve access to government services for persons with disabilities and expand opportunities for transgender people in education, healthcare and employment. The meeting stressed that welfare efforts must go beyond financial assistance and focus on dignity, equal opportunities and independent living.

The meeting was chaired by Karnail Singh and attended by Krishna Nagar MLA Dr Anil Goyal, MLA Harish Khurana, MLA Prem Chauhan, Social Welfare Department Director Neeraj and other officials. Participants discussed ways to address practical difficulties faced by both communities and strengthen their access to essential services.

How Can the UDID and Disability Certification Process Become Easier?

The committee highlighted the need to simplify the process of obtaining Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards and disability certificates. Participants suggested exploring assessment and certification facilities within a distance of five to 10 kilometres from people's homes.

The proposal aims to reduce the burden of travelling to distant hospitals, particularly for individuals who face mobility challenges. The committee also discussed reducing waiting lists and ensuring that applications are processed within a reasonable timeframe, helping applicants avoid repeated hospital visits.

Skill Development and Employment to Promote Independence

The meeting also focused on expanding access to vocational training, quality education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Members emphasised the importance of identifying individual abilities and providing suitable training so that beneficiaries can become financially independent.

The broader objective is to enable persons with disabilities to lead dignified lives and participate more actively in society. Better coordination between relevant departments and improved access to training programmes were identified as important steps towards achieving this goal.

Better Healthcare and Equal Opportunities for the Transgender Community

The committee discussed measures to improve healthcare, skill development, employment prospects and social acceptance for transgender people. Members also considered ways to make specialised medical services, including gender reassignment surgery, more accessible to those who need them.

Creating an environment free from discrimination and increasing public awareness were highlighted as key priorities. The need to strengthen helpline services and ensure that support facilities are available in every district was also discussed.

The meeting underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that government welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiaries. Improving access to education, healthcare and employment, participants noted, is essential to building a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities and transgender people can exercise their rights and live with dignity.