Assam’s Deaf Community Rises for Rights and Inclusion
In the streets of Guwahati bore witness to a significant demonstration as thousands from the deaf community assembled to voice their grievances and demand immediate governmental action. Organized by the Assam Badhir Sangram Parishad, this silent protest underscored the myriad challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Assam.
A Silent Plea for Rights
The protestors highlighted several pressing issues, including:
Delays in Issuing Disability Certificates: Many individuals reported prolonged waiting periods to obtain essential disability certificates, hindering their access to various benefits and services.
Pension Irregularities: Inconsistencies and delays in pension disbursements have left many without crucial financial support.
Employment Challenges: Despite qualifications, deaf individuals face significant barriers in securing employment, exacerbated by a lack of inclusive hiring practices.
Educational and Communication Barriers: The absence of sign language courses and trained interpreters in educational institutions has marginalized deaf students, limiting their academic and social opportunities.
Madhurjyo Borgohain, president of the Assam Badhir Sangram Parishad, expressed the community’s frustration.
“The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted nationwide in 2016. However, Narendra Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ initiative has lost its relevance. Despite numerous protests from various disability communities, the government has failed to uphold our rights.”
A March for Change
The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages such as “I am deaf, not stupid” and “Dear govt, please open your eyes,” marched from Dighalipukhuri to the Birubari area. Their silent procession spoke volumes about their determination and the urgency of their demands.
Comprehensive Demands for Inclusion
In a memorandum submitted to the government, the protestors outlined 35 specific demands aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment. Key among these were:
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Barrier-Free Environments: Implementation of strict guidelines in educational institutions and offices to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Counseling Centers for Disabled Women: Establishment of specialized centers offering proper assistance systems tailored to the needs of disabled women.
Resource Teachers in Schools: Appointment of at least one permanent resource teacher in each school to support disabled students effectively.
Inclusion of Sign Language in Curricula: Integration of sign language subjects in all educational institutions to promote better communication and understanding.
Broader Context of Disability Rights in Assam
This protest is part of a larger movement advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Assam. According to the 2011 census, PwDs constitute 1.8% of Assam’s population. Despite this, significant gaps remain in education, employment, and social inclusion. Notably, 35% of disabled children in Assam have never attended school, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive educational reforms.
Organizations like Pratibandhi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam (PSSA), have been vocal about the government’s approach to disability pensions. They oppose the alignment of disability pensions with the Orunodoi scheme benefits, arguing that PwDs are entitled to higher assistance as per the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The PSSA also emphasizes the need for dedicated recruitment drives to fill reserved positions for PwDs, addressing the backlog of vacancies.
Government’s Response and the Path Forward
In response to such protests, the Assam government has acknowledged the concerns raised by the disabled community. Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma stated that efforts are underway to address these issues, including plans to start recruitment drives for vacant posts reserved for differently-abled persons. However, activists argue that more concrete actions are needed to translate these promises into reality.
The December 2024 protest by the deaf community in Guwahati serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Assam. While legislative frameworks like the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, exist, their effective implementation remains a critical concern. The voices of the deaf community, though silent, resonate loudly, calling for immediate and meaningful action to ensure their rights and inclusion in society