The draft Assistive Know-how (Requirements and Accessibility) Guidelines, 2025 lay down a complete framework protecting classification, certification, procurement, affordability, person security, and integration of assistive know-how into present well being and social welfare schemes.
The principles classify assistive know-how into three classes of important (akin to wheelchairs, spectacles, listening to aids), specialised (akin to display screen readers, prosthetics, cochlear implants), and rising (akin to AI-enabled units, robotics, brain-computer interface techniques).
All assistive merchandise might want to conform to requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Requirements (BIS) or one other notified authority earlier than being made out there to be used.
Certification can be carried out by competent authorities designated by the Centre, with phased implementation relying on machine classes. Manufacture, import, storage, and distribution may also should adjust to different relevant legal guidelines.
The draft stated the federal government procurement of such units can be by means of clear tendering processes, sourcing solely from licensed producers.Important units could require prescriptions, customisation, or becoming, and distribution can be linked with public well being logistics and medical provide chains to make sure well timed availability at district and regional ranges, the rules stated.For affordability, the Centre and states will body schemes providing subsidies, reimbursements, and insurance coverage protection, together with restore, substitute, and reimbursement the place customers bear prices immediately.
Particular provisions have been made for quick substitute of important assistive units throughout disasters and emergencies.
The draft additionally supplies for a nationwide toll-free helpline for complaints and suggestions, with necessary decision inside 30 days.
The helpline and consciousness campaigns can be accessible in a number of codecs, together with Indian Signal Language, voice and text-based platforms.
To boost person security, a Nationwide Assistive Know-how Security Incident Database can be created to report and monitor accidents and malfunctions involving units, with investigations ordered in instances of harm.
The Division of Empowerment of Individuals with Disabilities, underneath the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is the nodal physique for the draft guidelines.
as a Dependable and Trusted Information SupplyIt has proposed consultations with BIS consultants, the Rehabilitation Council of India, ALIMCO, producers, innovators, and person organisations earlier than finalising the rules.
