BIS Unveils New Standards for Assistive Technologies Under NLEAP

The initiative is closely aligned with the Government’s flagship Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan), which aims to achieve universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

In a significant step toward strengthening accessibility infrastructure and improving the quality of life for millions, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a comprehensive set of new standards for medical assistive technologies, aligned with the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) initiative spearheaded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The move marks a major milestone in India's push toward inclusive development, universal accessibility, and global-standard manufacturing, particularly as the country faces rising demand for assistive products due to ageing populations and increasing non-communicable diseases.

A National Framework for Inclusive and Accessible Living

The NLEAP framework serves as a guiding blueprint for:

• Policymakers

• Healthcare providers

• Industry stakeholders

It aims to ensure the availability, quality, and accessibility of essential assistive products, while simultaneously encouraging domestic innovation and manufacturing in this rapidly growing sector.

BIS, through its dedicated Technical Committee on Assistive Products (MHD 09), has played a central role in formulating these standards, bringing together expertise from:

• Leading government institutions such as ICMR and AIIMS

• Industry stakeholders and manufacturers

• Academic institutions

• Social organizations like BMVSS Jaipur

This collaborative approach ensures that standards are technically robust, user-centric, and globally aligned.

New Standards Cover Mobility, Accessibility, and Design Innovations

Over the past year, BIS has released several critical standards addressing priority assistive products under NLEAP, focusing on mobility aids and accessible design:

Mobility Aids and Rehabilitation Products

• Elbow Crutches (IS 18558 Part 1: 2025 / ISO 11334-1) — Ensures safety, ergonomics, and performance standards

• Walking Sticks (IS 5145: 2026) — Defines material quality, dimensions, and durability for various types including wooden, aluminium, and plastic

• Multi-Leg Walking Sticks (IS 18558 Part 4: 2025 / ISO 11334-4) — Enhances stability and usability for individuals requiring additional support

Accessible Design and Navigation

• Tactile Guide Maps (IS 19189: 2025 / ISO 19028) — Standardizes design and display of maps to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating public spaces

• Braille on Signage (IS 19190: 2025 / ISO 17049) — Establishes uniform guidelines for braille usage on equipment and public infrastructure

Mobility Infrastructure

• Portable Ramps (IS 19631: 2026) — Facilitates easier access to buildings and transportation systems for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges

These standards not only ensure minimum safety and performance benchmarks but also enhance usability, accessibility, and inclusivity across public and private spaces.

Supporting Accessible India Mission

The initiative is closely aligned with the Government's flagship Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan), which aims to achieve universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

By standardizing assistive technologies and infrastructure, BIS is helping create:

• Barrier-free environments

• Inclusive public infrastructure

• Improved mobility and independence for users

Global Alignment and Export Potential

A key feature of the new standards is their alignment with international benchmarks, including ISO standards. The BIS committee actively participates in global technical bodies such as:

• ISO/TC 173 (Assistive Products)

• ISO/TC 168 (Prosthetics and Orthotics)

This harmonization ensures that Indian-manufactured assistive products:

• Meet global quality standards

• Gain easier access to international markets

• Enhance India's position as a competitive exporter in assistive technologies

Driving Innovation and Industry Growth

India's assistive technology sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by:

• Increasing demand from an ageing population

• Rising prevalence of chronic diseases

• Greater awareness of accessibility needs

Standardization is expected to play a crucial role in:

• Encouraging research and development

• Promoting innovation among domestic manufacturers

• Ensuring product reliability and user safety

Officials note that clear standards also provide a framework for startups and MSMEs to develop scalable, high-quality solutions in the assistive technology space.

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Standardization

Experts highlight that assistive products are not merely tools but enablers of independence, dignity, and social inclusion. By ensuring consistency in design, safety, and performance, BIS standards will:

• Improve user confidence

• Reduce risks associated with substandard products

• Expand access to high-quality assistive solutions across India

A Step Toward Inclusive Growth

With India moving toward a more inclusive and equitable development model, the introduction of these standards represents a critical step in ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.

As the demand for assistive technologies continues to grow, BIS's efforts are expected to serve as a foundation for building a robust, globally competitive, and socially impactful assistive technology ecosystem in India.