New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has announced that it will replace the term “mentally retarded persons” with “persons with intellectual disability” in concession forms issued to individuals with disabilities seeking discounted travel. The move is aimed at promoting the use of respectful and inclusive language in official documentation.

In a circular dated 9 May and addressed to the principal chief commercial managers of all railway zones, the ministry stated: “The Ministry of Railways has decided to replace the term 'mentally retarded persons who cannot travel without an escort' with 'persons with intellectual disability who cannot travel without an escort’.”

The revised concession forms incorporating this change will come into effect from 1 June, officials confirmed.

While the update has been widely welcomed, disability rights activists have raised concerns that the revised proforma still uses outdated and offensive terms such as “handicapped” and “divyangjan” when referring to other categories of disabilities.

The updated concession certificate, as enclosed with the circular, states:

"The concession certificate form for orthopaedically handicapped/paraplegic (person/patients) who cannot travel without an escort/persons with intellectual disabilities who cannot travel without an escort/persons with hearing and speech impairment totally (both afflictions together in the same person)..."

Dr Satendra Singh, a disability rights advocate and professor at the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, acknowledged the progress but pointed out the inconsistencies:

“We welcome the shift from the 'R-word' to 'intellectual disability', but the Railways is still engaged in piecemeal corrections. Even the revised concession forms continue to use euphemistic and controversial terms like 'handicapped' and 'divyangjan’.”

Activists have also noted that the Supreme Court of India has issued a handbook on inclusive language, and a previous directive from the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities had banned the use of expressions like “handicapped”. Furthermore, under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) — which India has ratified — the term “persons with disabilities” is the accepted standard.

The circular also noted that existing certificates issued under the old format will remain valid until their expiry. No changes have been made to the concession certificate for persons with blindness.

Zonal railways have been directed to print the revised forms and ensure their availability at all railway stations to avoid inconvenience to passengers.