The Punjab government has decided to formally include visually impaired individuals in the official list of persons with disabilities, aiming to extend legal recognition and access to state support.
The Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill 2025 was presented in the Punjab Assembly on Friday during the ongoing session. The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing laws by explicitly defining and recognising blindness and visual impairment.
According to the text of the bill, individuals with eyesight below 3/60 will be included in the category of persons with disabilities. The bill also states that people who are completely blind will be formally recognised as special persons. Previously, visual impairment was not clearly defined under the existing law.
Once included in the official list, visually impaired individuals will be eligible to receive a special disability certificate. This certification will allow them to benefit from various government welfare schemes and programmes.
Officials said the move will also make it easier for visually impaired persons to seek employment under disability quotas. In addition, the disability certificate will help them access medical treatment and educational opportunities with greater ease.
Under the legislative process, the bill will be referred to the relevant standing committee for two months. After the committee’s review and approval, it will be presented again in the Punjab Assembly for passage. The bill will require final approval from the Governor of Punjab to become law.
