The Centre has proposed setting up an online Assistive Technology Portal for certification, procurement, tracking, distribution, and grievance monitoring of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The move is part of the draft Assistive Technology (Standards and Accessibility) Rules, 2025, aimed at standardising and ensuring the accessibility, safety, and affordability of such devices.

Key features of the draft rules

The draft rules propose a comprehensive regulatory framework covering the classification, certification, procurement, affordability, and user safety of assistive technology products.

Assistive devices have been classified into three categories:

  • Essential: Wheelchairs, spectacles, hearing aids, etc.
  • Specialised: Screen readers, prosthetics, cochlear implants, etc.
  • Emerging: AI-enabled devices, robotics, and brain-computer interface systems.

All assistive products must conform to standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or another notified authority before being made available for use.

Certification and procurement process

Certification will be conducted by designated competent authorities, with implementation phased according to device category. Manufacture, import, and distribution will have to comply with existing laws.
Government procurement of assistive technology will be done through transparent tendering, sourcing only from certified manufacturers.

Essential devices that require prescriptions or customisation will be linked to public health logistics systems to ensure availability at district and regional levels.

Ensuring affordability and accessibility

To enhance affordability, the Centre and states will design schemes for subsidies, reimbursements, and insurance coverage, including support for repair and replacement costs. Immediate replacement of essential devices during disasters or emergencies has also been proposed.

A national toll-free helpline will be set up for complaints and feedback, with a mandatory resolution period of 30 days. The helpline will be accessible in Indian Sign Language and text or voice-based formats.

Safety and monitoring mechanisms

A National Assistive Technology Safety Incident Database will be created to record and monitor accidents or malfunctions involving devices. Investigations will be initiated in cases of injury or serious malfunction.

Stakeholder consultations

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, will serve as the nodal body for implementing the rules.
The draft has proposed consultations with BIS experts, the Rehabilitation Council of India, ALIMCO, manufacturers, innovators, and user organisations before finalising the regulations.