Government mandates 4% housing reservation for people with disabilities

ANI May 23, 2025 254 views

The government has introduced a 4% housing reservation for persons with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. This decision aligns with the RPwD Act 2016, ensuring fair access to central government accommodations. The move follows recent Supreme Court directives mandating accessible eKYC processes for disabled citizens. Additionally, the RBI must now adopt disability-friendly verification methods, further promoting digital inclusivity.

"This initiative strengthens the foundation of an inclusive and accessible India." – Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
New Delhi, May 22: Union Minister Manohar Lal on Thursday took a milestone decision to provide a reservation of 4% in the allotment of central government housing for the person with disabilities.

Key Points

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4% quota in govt housing for disabled under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

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Aligns with RPwD Act 2016 for fair access

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Follows SC ruling on inclusive eKYC for disabled

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RBI directed to adopt accessible digital verification methods

The decision was taken with an aim to reaffirm the commitment to equal opportunities for all citizens under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs said in a release.

"In alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Directorate of Estates has issued an Office Memorandum to ensure fair access to central government residential accommodations for persons with disabilities," the release added.

According to the ministry, this initiative is a reflection of "the government's dedication to the empowerment of every citizen and also strengthens the foundation of an inclusive and accessible India."

Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that the eKYC (digital Know Your Customer) process must be made accessible to people with disabilities. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, while pronouncing a judgement on PIL pleas seeking directions to the government regarding problems faced by acid attack victims and blind or persons with low-vision in being able to complete the eKYC process, stated that the right to digital access is intrinsic to Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is directed to issue guidelines to ensure that alternative, inclusive methods are available for verifying customer "liveness" during Digital KYC or e-KYC processes, moving beyond methods like eye blinking, which may not be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the RBI must clarify that customer onboarding through video-based KYC (V-CIP) does not require eye blinking, making the process more inclusive.The directions also state that KYC templates and customer acquisition forms must be redesigned to record the type and percentage of disability, enabling institutions to provide accessible services or reasonable accommodations to customers with disabilities.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is a welcome move! My brother who uses a wheelchair has faced so many housing issues. 4% reservation may seem small but it's a big step towards inclusion. Hope state governments follow suit soon. 🙏
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Rahul S.
Good initiative but implementation is key. Will these houses actually be disability-friendly with ramps, wider doors etc? Reservation alone isn't enough - infrastructure matters too.
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Ananya M.
The eKYC changes are equally important! My visually impaired father struggled so much with banking processes. Digital inclusion is the need of the hour. Kudos to SC for this progressive judgement.
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Vikram J.
While I support the intent, I wonder if 4% is adequate considering India has about 2.68 crore people with disabilities (2011 census). The percentage should be reviewed periodically based on actual demand.
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Sunita P.
As a special educator, I've seen how housing discrimination affects PWDs' dignity. This policy must be widely publicized so eligible people can benefit. Many aren't even aware of their rights!
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Karthik R.
The banking reforms are excellent! But what about private housing? The RPwD Act should mandate accessibility features in all new constructions, not just government housing. That would create real change.

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disability reservation Manohar Lal Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan RPwD Act inclusive housing central government