New Delhi: A robust assistive technology ecosystem can not only improve inclusion and independence for millions of Indians but also emerge as a major driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation, experts said on Tuesday. They called for a National Assistive Technology Policy to address existing gaps in access and service delivery, while unlocking a market estimated to reach USD 8-10 billion (Rs 75,000-95,000 crore) by 2030.
The experts noted that the need for assistive technology extends far beyond the disabled people, the estimated number for which, according to NCPEDP, is 5-8 cr. Millions of elderly people and those living with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, vision impairment and hearing loss also rely on products and services such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles, white canes and speech recognition software to live independently and participate fully in society.
These observations were made during the launch of a White Paper titled "Assistive Technology in India: A Systems and Investment Approach for Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilities", prepared by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in partnership with Mphasis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), assistive technology enables inclusion and participation, particularly for persons with disabilities, older persons and people living with non-communicable diseases.
Launching the White Paper, Dr Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), said India has a unique opportunity to build a globally competitive and inclusive assistive technology ecosystem.
"Assistive technology is central to enabling independence, dignity and equal participation. The recommendations in this White Paper provide an important roadmap for future action," she said.
The White Paper identifies fragmented responsibilities across ministries, weak service networks, inadequate financing, lack of lifecycle support and low awareness among beneficiaries as key barriers to the widespread adoption of assistive technology. It recommends a National Assistive Technology Policy Framework, stronger inter-ministerial coordination, lifecycle-based service delivery, quality and safety standards, workforce development, innovative financing models, insurance-linked coverage and robust monitoring systems.
NCPEDP Executive Director Arman Ali said the White Paper seeks to reposition assistive technology from a welfare issue to a development and economic growth priority. "For too long, assistive technology has been viewed only as a device distribution issue. It is much more than that. It determines whether a child can learn, whether an adult can work, whether an elderly person can live independently and whether millions can participate fully in society. India now needs a National Assistive Tec9hnology Policy that creates a complete ecosystem, not just another scheme," he said.
Deepa Nagraj, Senior Vice President & Head – ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications, Mphasis, said, “India has one of the largest populations of persons with disabilities in the world, and with greater investment in accessibility and assistive technologies, we can unlock a significant and flourishing market while driving meaningful social impact.”
Subodh Sachan, Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), said India is well placed to emerge as a global hub for assistive technology innovation. "India has the startups, research institutions, digital infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities needed to lead this sector. What is required now is a coordinated policy and investment framework that helps innovation scale and reach those who need it most," he said.
The launch brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, disability rights advocates and technology innovators. Among those present were Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, NCPEDP and Chairman, CyberMedia Group; Deepa Nagraj, Senior Vice President and Head-ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications, Mphasis; Rakesh Dubey, Director, Startup and Innovation Division, STPI; Sminu Jindal, Chairperson, CII National Committee on Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and IBDN, and Managing Director, Jindal SAW Ltd.; and Dr Ravinder Singh, Scientist, ICMR.
BI Bureau
