30,000 Divyang Residents May Benefit: MP Silchar Seeks Centre to Strengthen Disability Infrastructure in Barak

Raising serious concerns over the lack of disability welfare infrastructure in Barak Valley, Silchar Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya on Monday (9 February) met Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar Khatik in New Delhi and submitted multiple proposals seeking the establishment of a special school, a regional rehabilitation centre and easier access to railway concessions for Divyang citizens.

The MP said nearly 30,000 Divyang persons and their families across the valley continue to face daily hardship due to the absence of specialised institutions, trained professionals and basic support systems. He urged the Centre to take urgent steps under the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

In his representations, Suklabaidya highlighted that Silchar and the surrounding districts currently have no fully equipped special school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a result, many children are deprived of early intervention, specialised education and rehabilitation services at a crucial stage of growth. He requested the establishment of a government-supported special school with trained educators, therapeutic support and vocational training facilities to ensure inclusive education and future independence for such children.

The MP also pressed for the setting up of a Railway Concession Board at Badarpur Junction. At present, Divyang residents from Barak Valley, Tripura and Mizoram must travel to Lumding to obtain concession cards, which involves long journeys, additional expenses and accessibility challenges. He stated that this difficulty prevents thousands of eligible beneficiaries from availing themselves of railway concessions.

Further, Suklabaidya proposed the establishment of a Composite Regional Centre in Silchar to provide specialised medical care, early diagnosis and rehabilitation services. He noted that many families are forced to travel to distant cities such as Bengaluru for treatment due to the absence of local facilities. A centre in Silchar, he said, would reduce financial strain and strengthen professional support within the region.

The MP additionally raised concerns regarding Aadhaar enrolment for persons with disabilities. He pointed out that individuals who are unable to provide biometric data often face rejection at enrolment centres. He requested simplified and disability-friendly guidelines to ensure that no eligible person is denied identity documents and government benefits.

On the same day, Suklabaidya also submitted a separate proposal to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking urgent modernisation and expansion of railway infrastructure in Barak Valley, highlighting administrative gaps, outdated services and persistent congestion issues affecting the region.