Exclusion Of Disability Questions In NHFS-6: Karnataka HC Notice To Union Ministry

The Karnataka High Court has put the spotlight on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Javed Abidi Foundation. The PIL raised concerns over the exclusion of questions related to disability in the upcoming National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 6.

The court's move comes after Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice MGS Kamal of the division bench heard the foundation's petition, which was presented by Trustee and Convener Shameer Rishad.

The petitioner, Javed Abidi Foundation, has urged the court to direct the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to incorporate the 21 disabilities specified in the Schedule to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act into the household questionnaire for the NFHS 6.

By excluding these questions about disabilities from the NFHS 6, there are concerns about not having detailed and accurate information on disabilities. The petitioner points out that this exclusion goes against what the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the New Disability Policy and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act stand for.

The petitioner highlights the importance of collecting data on disabilities, citing Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which stresses the right of persons with disabilities to be included in data collection efforts for the maximum benefit of their welfare schemes and programs.

As things progress in court, this PIL has reignited discussions about how important it is to include everyone and get accurate data, so that people with disabilities are treated fairly.