INDIA DISABILITY WATCH

Overview
This report captures the key discussions and outcomes of the session “Towards Inclusive Data: Strengthening Disability Counting in Census 2027” held during the Purple Fest, Goa (October 2025). The event brought together government representatives, United Nations agencies, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and civil society experts to deliberate on how the upcoming Census 2027 can ensure a more inclusive and accurate count of persons with disabilities in India.

The session was conceptualised by the Politics and Disability Forum and ASTHA Organisation, with support from UNFPA, CIVIS, and the Government of Goa.

Why This Matters

Accurate disability data is vital for equitable policymaking, budget allocation, and representation. Undercounting in the Census leads to invisibility of persons with disabilities in state data and weakens the implementation of rights guaranteed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Key Discussions

1. Guest and Expert Addresses:
Dr. Sanjay Kumar (UNFPA) and Ms. Chestha Yadav (Directorate of Census Operations, Goa) emphasised the importance of functional data models, coordination between agencies, and enumerator training.

2. Panel and Civil Society Perspectives:
Experts from India, Bhutan, and WHO shared experiences on disability enumeration, privacy safeguards, and the need for gender-sensitive, intersectional approaches.

Launch Highlights:

1. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on disability and census

2. Consultation chatbot for citizen feedback

3. Dedicated India Disability Watch website to consolidate all updates on disability and Census 2027

Core Recommendations

1. Policy and Governance

Establish a formal consultation platform between ORGI, DoEPwD, UN, and OPDs.

Create a National Enumerator Training & Certification Program co-designed with OPDs.

Ensure full accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.2, GIGW 3.0) for all Census platforms.

Strengthen privacy and data protection mechanisms with clear public communication.

2. Community and Civil Society

Set up district-level monitoring and grievance redress committees.

Launch a National Census Helpline for and by persons with disabilities.

Establish Local Accessibility Desks at district and panchayat levels.

Undertake targeted outreach for under-reported groups (women, psychosocial disabilities, chronic illnesses).

Conduct OPD-led post-enumeration validation to ensure accuracy.