- Disability advocacy groups have urged the central government to classify communication aids (assistive devices for speech and communication) as essential products. - The move aims to make communication technologies and devices affordable, widely accessible, and exempt from heavy taxation or supply chain barriers. - High costs and lack of availability of assistive technology hinder the fundamental rights to education, employment, and expression for persons with speech and communication disabilities. - Such classification aligns with India's obligations under the UNCRPD and the RPwD Act, 2016, promoting a barrier-free and inclusive society. - **Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:** India's principal legislation for persons with disabilities, enacted to fulfill UNCRPD obligations. It expanded recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, guaranteeing rights, non-discrimination, and barrier-free access. - **Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan):** A nationwide flagship campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to achieve universal accessibility for persons with disabilities across built environments, transport, and ICT. - **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:** The nodal central government ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities through its dedicated DEPwD wing. **Introduction** Disability rights groups in India have called upon the Union government to designate communication aids as essential products to enhance affordability and accessibility for persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive development and barrier-free communication under the framework of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Disability advocacy groups have urged the central government to classify communication aids (assistive devices for speech and communication) as essential products. - The move aims to make communication technologies and devices affordable, widely accessible, and exempt from heavy taxation or supply chain barriers. - High costs and lack of availability of assistive technology hinder the fundamental rights to education, employment, and expression for persons with speech and communication disabilities. - Such classification aligns with India's obligations under the UNCRPD and the RPwD Act, 2016, promoting a barrier-free and inclusive society. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:** India's principal legislation for persons with disabilities, enacted to fulfill UNCRPD obligations. It expanded recognized disabilities from 7 to 21, guaranteeing rights, non-discrimination, and barrier-free access. - **Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan):** A nationwide flagship campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to achieve universal accessibility for persons with disabilities across built environments, transport, and ICT. - **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:** The nodal central government ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities through its dedicated DEPwD wing.