The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published six new standards for priority assistive products under the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) framework. These standards cover mobility aids such as crutches, walking sticks, and portable ramps, along with accessible design elements like tactile guide maps and Braille signage.
Developed by the BIS technical committee with inputs from institutions such as AIIMS New Delhi and aligned with ICMR-led NLEAP priorities, the standards aim to ensure minimum safety, ergonomic performance, and usability for products used by persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The framework also aligns with international ISO benchmarks, enabling Indian manufacturers to meet global quality requirements. In addition to product safety, the standards introduce uniform specifications for accessible infrastructure, supporting consistent implementation across public spaces.
By defining clear technical requirements and user information norms, this move directly supports the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan), while also strengthening the domestic ecosystem for assistive product manufacturing.
Key Standards Published
IS 18558 (Part 1): 2025 (Elbow Crutches): Specifies safety and ergonomic requirements for crutches equipped with handgrips and tips.
IS 5145: 2026 (Walking Sticks): An indigenous standard covering materials (wood, aluminium, plastic) and performance for single-point sticks.
IS 18558 (Part 4): 2025 (Multi-leg Walking Sticks): Sets requirements for sticks with three or more legs for enhanced stability.
IS 19631: 2026 (Portable Ramps): New indigenous standard for ramps used by wheelchair users and those pushing strollers or carts.
IS 19189: 2025 (Tactile Guide Maps): Guidelines for designing maps that help blind or low-vision users navigate buildings and parks.
IS 19190: 2025 (Braille on Signage): Establishes dimensional parameters and material characteristics for Braille on equipment and appliances.
What is "NLEAP"?
The National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) is a guideline developed by the ICMR to identify and prioritise assistive devices that are fundamental for the health and independence of the population.
Similar to the National List of Essential Medicines, NLEAP ensures that policymakers and healthcare providers focus on the most critical tools, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and mobility sticks, needed to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and the ageing society. By creating BIS standards for these specific products, the government ensures that these "essential" items are not just available, but are built to high-quality safety and performance specifications.
Policy Relevance
Enhances User Safety: By prescribing strict requirements for ergonomics and workmanship, the standards prevent injuries caused by poor-quality mobility aids.
Boosts 'Make in India' Exports: Aligning with ISO benchmarks ensures that domestic manufacturers can export to international markets without needing multiple certifications.
Supports Aging Populations: With the rise in age-related functional restrictions, these standards promote independence among the elderly through reliable technology.
Standardises Universal Design: The guidelines for Braille and Tactile Maps ensure that public infrastructure, from parks to transport hubs, becomes uniformly accessible across the country.
Empowers Indigenous Innovation: New indigenous standards (like those for portable ramps) allow Indian researchers and manufacturers to innovate while adhering to national safety norms.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: With these six new standards in place, how can the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) mandate that all government procurement for the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) scheme strictly adheres to these BIS certifications?
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