Bhopal/Gwalior, April 19, 2026. In a significant step toward inclusive prison reform, the social justice and empowerment of persons with disabilities department officials in Madhya Pradesh have initiated efforts to make Gwalior Central Jail more accessible for inmates with disabilities, following concerns that many such prisoners currently lack official disability certification.

Madhya Pradesh Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr Ajay Khemariya during inspection on Sunday, revealed that a considerable number of inmates lodged in Gwalior Central Jail do not possess Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards—an essential document that enables access to government welfare schemes and legal protections under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. To address this gap, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has partnered with the jail administration to convert the facility into a disability-friendly institution. As part of this initiative, a disability assessment camp was organized within the prison premises, marking the beginning of a sustained effort to formally identify and support inmates with disabilities.

Dr. Khemariya directed the team from the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Gwalior, to institutionalize such camps on a monthly basis. The move aims to ensure that all eligible inmates are assessed, certified, and brought under the ambit of welfare schemes in a systematic manner. According to Jail Superintendent Vidit Sirvaiya, the prison currently houses 132 inmates with disabilities, including five women. He noted that steps are already underway to provide necessary facilities in compliance with the provisions of the 2016 Act, which mandates equal access and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities in all public institutions, including correctional facilities.

During his visit, the Commissioner Dr Khemariya also interacted directly with inmates, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with directives issued by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel. The Governor has called for all prisons across the state to be made disability-friendly, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive governance and humane custodial conditions. Officials from the DDRC, including Ashish Sharma, conducted awareness sessions inside the jail, informing inmates about their rights and entitlements under the law. These sessions are expected to play a crucial role in empowering prisoners to seek assistance and assert their rights.

As part of the inspection, Dr. Khemariya reviewed key sections of the jail—including barracks, hospital facilities, toilet blocks, and the mess hall—from an accessibility standpoint. He issued specific directives to the jail administration to prepare and submit a dedicated proposal for the construction of ramps and other structural modifications aimed at improving mobility for inmates with physical disabilities. The initiative is being seen as a progressive move toward ensuring dignity and equal opportunity for all inmates, regardless of physical or mental limitations. If implemented effectively, Gwalior Central Jail could serve as a model for disability-inclusive prison infrastructure across the state and beyond.