Railway Ministry took big decision regarding Divyangjan passengers, made important changes in the concession form

The Ministry of Railways took a significant decision concerning Divyangjan individuals applying for concessions in rail journeys. In a statement released by the Railways, a decision has been announced which says that it is decided that in the concession form provided to Divyangjan individuals, the word 'intellectually disabled person' should be written in place of the word 'mentally disabled person'.

The Ministry has issued a letter to the Principal Chief Commercial Managers of all the railway zones for improvement. In it is stated that the Ministry of Railways has decided to maintain the words 'intellectually disabled person who cannot travel without escort' in lieu of the words 'mentally retarded person who cannot travel without escort'.

Officials said terms like mentally retarded were offensive and had negative connotations. "The move was long overdue. These changes will be incorporated in the new concession certificate form from June 1," a railway official said. However, the circular also enclosed a revised format of the concession certificate form, which used terms like "Viklang" and "Divyangjanjan" for other disabilities, raising concerns among disability rights advocates and activists.

The revised form specifies three categories to which travel concessions are granted. "Concession certificate form for orthopedically handicapped/paralysed (person/patient) who cannot travel without escort/person with intellectual disability who cannot travel without escort/person with total hearing and speech impairment (both disorders together in the same person)...," it said.

Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital director and professor Satendra Singh said, "The railway ministry is always slow to respond, but better late than never." The Supreme Court has already released a booklet on inclusiveness.