Odisha Speaker Surama Padhy Calls for Greater Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Democracy
Cape Town, September 19, 2026: Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Smt. Surama Padhy has emphasized the need to make democratic institutions more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities, saying that equal participation must remain a fundamental principle of democracy amid rapid technological and institutional changes.
Padhy made the remarks while addressing a session on “Accessible Parliament: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” during a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association programme in Cape Town, South Africa.
Speaking about the evolving nature of democratic institutions, the Odisha Assembly Speaker said that democracy is confronting new challenges as technology advances and parliamentary systems undergo significant transformation. She stressed that these changes should not weaken the principle of equality or create barriers for citizens seeking to participate in public life.
Contributions of Persons with Disabilities
Padhy referred to the example of Sage Ashtavakra from Indian tradition to underline the longstanding contributions of persons with disabilities to Indian culture and civilisation. She said disability has never prevented individuals from making meaningful contributions to society.
She also pointed out that persons with disabilities have participated in India’s democratic process and have represented citizens through public institutions. According to her, their experiences and contributions are important to the broader development of the country.
Technology Can Improve Democratic Participation
The Speaker highlighted the growing use of digital technology in Parliament and state legislatures. She said that properly designed digital systems can help remove barriers and make legislative institutions more accessible.
She referred to the participation of persons with disabilities in the 2024 General Election, noting that more than nine million persons with disabilities were registered as voters. The increasing adoption of digital tools by legislative institutions, she said, could provide additional opportunities for participation and representation.
The emphasis, therefore, is not only on physical accessibility but also on ensuring that digital platforms, information systems and parliamentary processes are designed to accommodate diverse needs.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Padhy also highlighted the significance of India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, describing it as an important legislative framework for promoting equality, accessibility and participation.
The legislation provides a broader framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and encouraging their participation across different areas of public and social life.
Odisha’s Initiatives
During her address, the Speaker highlighted several initiatives undertaken in Odisha for persons with disabilities. Among them, she mentioned the Banishree Scholarship, which supports students with disabilities, and the Bhim Bhoi Bhinnaksham Samarthya Abhiyan, aimed at strengthening support and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
She said that various forms of assistance are also being provided in the state in areas including assistive devices, skill development, rehabilitation, special education, social security, sports and livelihood development.
According to the Speaker, such measures can help create greater opportunities for persons with disabilities to pursue education, develop skills, participate in society and achieve greater economic independence.
Parliamentary Leaders Participate in Discussions
The Cape Town programme brought together parliamentary representatives for discussions on accessibility and inclusion within democratic institutions.
Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Rabindra Nath Mahato, Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Professor Ram Shinde were among those present during the session and participated in the discussions.
Speaker Surama Padhy is attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference along with Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Shri Bhawanishankar Bhoi and Assembly Secretary Shri Satyabrata Rout.
The discussions in Cape Town placed accessibility within a wider conversation about the future of democratic institutions and the importance of ensuring that technological and institutional developments benefit all sections of society.
For India and its states, the issue also highlights the continuing importance of translating legal protections and government programmes into practical accessibility and meaningful participation in democratic life.
