Calling the proposed law an important step towards increasing women’s political participation, the organization said it also provides an opportunity to address the under-representation of persons with disabilities in legislative bodies.NCPEDP has written to the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and leaders of all political parties, urging them to consider political reservation for persons with disabilities within the broader framework of electoral reforms.Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP, said, “While the Women’s Reservation Bill is a transformative step, it should also open the doors to broader inclusion. Persons with disabilities remain under-represented in decision-making spaces. Ensuring their participation is essential for a truly inclusive democracy.”The organization pointed out that “political barriers” are clearly recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and said disability-related concerns are often ignored in policy making due to lack of representation.The letter also said that the proposed increase in the number of legislative seats could create space for such inclusion without affecting the existing reservation categories.Ali said, “India has one of the largest populations of persons with disabilities. As per the 2011 census, more than 2.68 crore persons were identified as persons with disabilities, a number that is widely underestimated. With updated data expected in the upcoming census, the need for direct political representation has become increasingly urgent.”NCPEDP highlighted its efforts to promote political participation among persons with disabilities, including the development of a “Manifesto for and by persons with disabilities” during the 2024 general elections, which included countrywide consultations and engagement with major political parties.The organization also cited initiatives such as its MP Forum on Disability and dialogue platforms such as “Empowering Inclusion”, which aims to strengthen the discussion on disability inclusion during the Parliament session.It further said that states like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have implemented political reservation for persons with disabilities at the local level.The NCPEDP has urged Members of Parliament to raise the issue during the ongoing session and consider integrating such provisions in electoral reforms, saying increased representation will contribute to a more inclusive and participatory democracy.Parliament is scheduled to meet from April 16 to 18 to consider the bill, which will also include an expansion of seats.