On 22 May 2025, the central government announced a historic 4% reservation in all central government housing schemes for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities). This policy, spearheaded by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, mandates that a dedicated quota be reserved across flats, hostels, and residential accommodations allotted by the government.
The move aims to empower Divyangjans by ensuring accessible, affordable, and dignified housing, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to building an inclusive India.
States and union territories have been instructed to implement this reservation immediately, with eligibility verified through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system. Officials describe this as a landmark step toward mainstreaming persons with disabilities in urban development and government services, ensuring their equal participation in society.
Empowering Divyangjans Through Accessible Housing
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued detailed guidelines to operationalise the 4% reservation, applying it uniformly across all central government housing schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and government employee housing allotments.
The Directorate of Estates will oversee the transparent allotment process, ensuring that eligible Divyangjan applicants receive priority access. Minister Khattar emphasised the significance of this policy, stating, “This initiative recognises the inherent dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. It is our responsibility to remove barriers and create an environment where every citizen can live with respect and independence.”
The ministry also highlighted that the reserved housing will be designed or adapted to meet accessibility standards, including ramps, wider doorways, and accessible common areas, to cater to diverse needs. This policy is expected to improve the quality of life for thousands of Divyangjans employed in government services and beyond, fostering greater social inclusion.
Background: A Continuation of India’s Journey Towards Inclusion
The 4% housing reservation builds upon India’s ongoing efforts to create an accessible society, notably through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) launched in 2015, which aims to make public spaces and services barrier-free.
The policy is firmly rooted in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which guarantees equal opportunities and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities. Earlier, the government had introduced reservations in education and employment sectors, but housing remained a critical gap.
This new policy addresses that gap by ensuring that Divyangjans have equitable access to safe and affordable housing, a fundamental need often overlooked.
The government’s directive to states and union territories to implement the reservation immediately underscores the urgency and priority accorded to this initiative. The use of the UDID card streamlines verification, preventing misuse and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful recipients.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we applaud this progressive policy as a vital step toward fostering an empathetic and inclusive society. Housing is not just a basic necessity but a cornerstone of dignity and independence. By institutionalising reservation for Divyangjans in government housing, the government is acknowledging their rightful place in the social fabric and taking concrete action to dismantle systemic barriers.
This initiative reflects values of kindness, respect, and coexistence that are essential for India’s pluralistic democracy. However, policy implementation must be monitored closely to ensure accessibility standards are met and that Divyangjans receive the full benefits promised.
We encourage our readers to engage in this dialogue: Beyond housing, what other systemic changes are necessary to empower persons with disabilities and ensure their full integration into all spheres of life?
