Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Tuesday criticised the Assam Government for what he described as “consistent and alarming neglect” of the disability sector, despite the existence of national programmes and statutory protections meant for persons with disabilities.
Saikia pointed out that the Union Health Ministry’s national disability-related initiatives, including provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, mandate reservations, treatment support and institutional inclusion for 21 categories of disabilities. “The Centre has already identified legal entitlements and expanded disability reservation from 3% to 5%. But in Assam, implementation remains largely invisible,” Saikia alleged while sharing official documents and media reports.
Importantly, official documents of the Assam Health Department clearly state that the National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Control Programme requires the State to identify affected children early, provide medical support, counselling, school-level assistance, and awareness campaigns. The document specifically says that Assam must take steps through screening programmes and support services. Saikia alleged that despite this mandate, the State Government has failed to operationalise most of these responsibilities on the ground. 
He further highlighted recent achievements of differently-abled youths from Assam in national and international platforms, noting that local success stories continued to emerge despite minimal State assistance. “Young people are bringing global recognition to Assam, while the State government fails to provide basic institutional support,” Saikia said.
A recent report published by a media channel in Assam questioned whether the progress achieved by specially-abled sportspersons from Assam was the result of individual struggle rather than government assistance. Saikia said such reports raised serious concerns about the lack of financial grants, training support and disability-friendly infrastructure.
According to central guidelines accessed by Saikia, disability screening, counselling, medical support, and social inclusion measures fall under mandatory responsibility of state health and social welfare departments. “Assam needs to show concrete action instead of publicity events,” he added.
Calling for an immediate intervention, Saikia urged the government to publish a status report, allocate funds and implement disability-related reservations as per national standards.
