New Delhi, September 5, 2025 — In a landmark move aimed at strengthening post-accident care and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Government of India has released a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for public consultation. The SOP, prepared by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), outlines a comprehensive framework for emergency response, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term social integration of individuals who acquire disabilities due to road accidents.
The draft SOP has been formulated in compliance with a 2014 Supreme Court directive that mandated the creation of structured guidelines for road safety and trauma care. It proposes a multi-tiered approach to ensure disability-inclusive infrastructure, responsive emergency services, and streamlined compensation mechanisms.
Key Provisions of the Draft SOP:
- Disability-Friendly Emergency Response: Ambulances must be equipped with ramps and adjustable stretchers. First responders—including police, paramedics, and good samaritans—will be trained to identify and manage spinal or limb injuries using proper immobilisation techniques.
- Accessible Infrastructure Mandate: All new and retrofitted road and transport infrastructure must comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes. This includes tactile paving, ramps, audible signals, low-floor buses, and priority seating.
- Disability-Inclusive Zones: High-footfall areas such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and special schools will be designated as “disability-inclusive zones,” with mandatory accessibility audits conducted by States and Union Territories.
- Integrated Rehabilitation Plans: Victims will receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, vocational training, and psychological counselling. Institutions like National Institutes (NIs) and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) will be linked to trauma centres for specialised care.
- Assistive Devices and Financial Support: Victims will be provided with prosthetics, wheelchairs, and hearing aids under schemes like ADIP. District Road Safety Committees will coordinate with State Legal Services Authorities to secure compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Data Integration and Verification: Accident data will be linked to the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system to enable real-time alerts and prevent fraudulent claims. Disability certificates will be verified against the UDID database before processing compensation.
- Insurance and Policy Coordination: States will work with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to develop insurance packages that cover rehabilitation and assistive technologies.
The draft SOP also recommends the appointment of PwD liaison officers in state transport departments and calls for annual training of emergency personnel. Stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback before the guidelines are finalized.
This initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive governance and reflects the Centre’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities affected by road accidents.
