Accurate Estimates of Disability Prevalence in India: A Basis for Avoiding the Diversion of Disability Benefits

Abstract

Disability inclusive policies are a developmental challenge to modern states. A concern has been raised in the present study about the enumeration process. Available literature and empirical investigations carried out here show that there is an underestimation of disability prevalence in India, particularly among women mostly caused by sociocultural practices and inadequate enumeration process. Proper and accurate counting under specific categories and age cohorts of disability would better target to the desired groups of individuals, ensuring that benefits are not misappropriated.