Perspective

The Government of Kerala places inclusive development at the centre of its development vision. This includes a focussed commitment to the rights of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. The State’s approach seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, social security, housing, and public services on an equal basis with others.

Kerala’s work in this area goes beyond welfare support. It aims to remove the physical, social, and institutional barriers that constrain participation and independence. Public systems and services are being redesigned to become more accessible, responsive, and inclusive. Welfare institutions and training centres under the Social Justice Department are being strengthened to improve service delivery, coordination, and innovation, recognising that inclusion is a shared responsibility across society and government.

Looking ahead to 2031, the Government aims to create barrier-free public spaces, accessible transport and digital services, inclusive healthcare, and reliable access to assistive devices and support services. Special attention is being given to inclusive education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities that support independent living and economic participation for persons with disabilities across the life course. Measures to improve mobility, communication, and access to information are being integrated into planning.

The Social Justice Department is being strengthened as the nodal agency to plan and implement disability-inclusive programmes, with a focus on reaching persons who remain outside existing schemes.

The objective of this session is to review Kerala’s policy and experience in disability-inclusive development, to discuss national and international best practices in the field, and to provide a vision for Kerala in this field in 2031, the 75th anniversary of the formation of the State.