AI to Empower Persons with Disabilities and Make Them Self-Reliant: Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal

Pre-Summit Roundtable Held on “Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities”

Mumbai, Jan 2026 :Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a modern technological concept but is emerging as a powerful tool to address the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities, said Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal. He emphasised that through AI and assistive technologies, accessible services should be created to empower persons with disabilities and help them become self-reliant.

He was speaking at a pre-summit roundtable on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities”, organised at Hotel InterContinental, Mumbai, ahead of the India AI Impact Summit. Secretary, Department of Disability Welfare, Tukaram Mundhe, was also present on the occasion. Tributes were paid to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during the event.

Chief Secretary Aggarwal said that AI-based devices, applications, and digital services are proving extremely beneficial for people with visual, hearing, physical, and intellectual disabilities. Technologies such as electric wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, communication assistive devices, eye-tracking systems, and head-mouse tools are enabling persons with disabilities to lead independent lives. In the field of intellectual disabilities, particularly autism diagnosis, AI is playing a crucial role.

He added that the use of AI in government services is simplifying procedures for persons with disabilities. Multilingual chatbots and digital support systems are providing information on therapy centres, special schools, and various government schemes at the click of a button. As a result, persons with disabilities are not only becoming self-reliant but are also contributing to the livelihood of their families. Nearly a hundred startups, along with global companies such as Google, Meta, and others, are actively working in the field of disability empowerment. Through several examples, Aggarwal highlighted the inspiring journeys of persons with disabilities whose lives have been transformed with the help of AI.

Secretary Tukaram Mundhe said that accurate data on the number of persons with disabilities in Maharashtra, the types of disabilities, and their specific needs is being collected to formulate evidence-based policies. The government’s primary objective is to transform persons with disabilities into capable contributors to society and the economy. He noted that AI and machine learning can provide a new direction to disability empowerment. Special emphasis is being laid on making government websites and portals accessible. In the near future, a comprehensive and accessible digital portal will be developed, where a single registration will enable eligible persons with disabilities to access information about all schemes and required documentation.

The event also featured group discussions on the potential of AI for inclusion and the government’s role in building inclusive AI. The first session included participation from industry leaders, academicians, and experts, while the second session saw discussions involving senior government officials, UNDP representatives, technology entrepreneurs, and disability rights advocates. The sessions were moderated by Aarti Harbhajanka and Devroop Dhar, co-founders of Primus Partners.