State-Level Consultation Held in Guwahati Under ‘Mera Vote Mera Bharat’ Campaign
With the State Assembly elections approaching, persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Assam have called for greater political representation and stronger policy commitments from political parties. The demand was raised during a state-level consultation held in Guwahati on February 21.
The consultation was organised by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in collaboration with Young Indians (Yi) Guwahati, with support from the Mphasis F1 Foundation. More than 130 participants attended the meeting, including persons with and without disabilities, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and representatives from various sectors across Assam.
A state-level consultation held in Guwahati on February 21 brought together over 130 participants to discuss political inclusion of persons with disabilities ahead of Assam’s Assembly elections. The meeting aimed to draft a Charter of Demands seeking better representation and accessibility in the electoral process.
Focus on Political Inclusion in Assam
The consultation aimed to address political exclusion faced by persons with disabilities and prepare a consolidated Charter of Demands before the upcoming Assembly elections.
Participants highlighted that despite constitutional safeguards and disability rights legislation, several barriers continue to restrict full participation in the democratic process.
Key concerns raised included:
- Inaccessible polling stations
- Lack of accessible election-related information
- Limited representation in political processes
- Inadequate inclusion in policy-making
The event created a platform for PwDs in Guwahati and other districts to directly express their expectations from political parties.
‘Mera Vote Mera Bharat’ Campaign
The initiative forms part of NCPEDP’s nationwide “Mera Vote Mera Bharat” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the political inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Over the last two years, the organisation has reportedly engaged with more than 20,000 persons with disabilities during nine state Assembly elections and the 2024 General Elections.
The Guwahati consultation marks Assam’s contribution to the broader national dialogue on accessible democracy.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As the administrative and political centre of Assam, Guwahati plays a key role in shaping electoral discourse.
With Assembly elections approaching, discussions held in the city are likely to influence policy commitments and party manifestos. Greater representation and accessibility could impact thousands of voters with disabilities across urban and rural constituencies.
The consultation underscores the importance of inclusive civic participation in the state capital.
What Happens Next?
The consolidated Charter of Demands prepared during the consultation is expected to be presented to political parties ahead of the elections.
Further engagements and advocacy efforts may follow in Guwahati and other districts as election preparations progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Guwahati consultation?
The consultation aimed to discuss the political inclusion of persons with disabilities and prepare a Charter of Demands ahead of Assam’s Assembly elections.
Who organised the event?
The event was organised by NCPEDP in collaboration with Young Indians (Yi) Guwahati, with support from the Mphasis F1 Foundation.
