Paralympic Fencer Vibhas Sen Joins Forces with Jhatkaa.org to Advocate for Disability Data in National Health Survey

New Delhi, India, June 29: Vibhas Sen, a Paralympic fencer and disability rights activist, has partnered with Jhatkaa.org, a leading social justice advocacy organization, to address the critical issue of insufficient data collection on people with disabilities. Together, they are urging the inclusion of disability-related questions in the upcoming National Household Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Despite the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, significant gaps remain in the collection of comprehensive data on individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, Sen emphasizes the importance of finding a solution to bridge this data gap.

Accurate data collection plays a pivotal role in determining the allocation of funds for welfare schemes and programs designed to assist people with disabilities. The current lack of comprehensive data significantly impacts the daily lives of individuals with disabilities, restricting their access to vital support services and hindering their full participation in society.

“Through improved data collection, thorough research, and effective dissemination, we can ensure equal access to public services and spaces for individuals with disabilities. Data collection will also help dispel stereotypes and misconceptions, identify service gaps, and assess the impact of policies and programs on the lives of people with disabilities. This is essential for holding governments accountable for their commitments to individuals with disabilities,” said Sen.

However, NFHS-6, which is set to begin in the next month, has excluded disability-related questions from the survey. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s statement that “disability data won’t change quickly” further exacerbates this neglect. This exclusion perpetuates a limited definition of disability and undermines the urgent need for a broader, more inclusive approach.

To express his concern about this exclusion and challenge the normalization of a narrow view on disability, Sen has teamed up with Jhatkaa.org. Together, they are demanding that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare include disability-related questions in the survey, covering all disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Sen and Jhatkaa.org are committed to promoting equality for all and are confident that by uniting compassionate citizens, they can drive meaningful change. To amplify their call and ensure their voices are heard, they encourage citizens to show their support by signing the online petition at https://bit.ly/3pjT2f9.

For more information, please visit: https://jhatkaa.org/

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