In an equitable inclusive society, every individual regardless of ability \ capability must be afforded the dignity of choice, access, and support. For persons with disabilities, the Basic Invalidity Pension is not merely a financial provision; it is a recognition the support grounded in human dignity and the principles of equality.
Understanding the Human Rights-Based Approach
The human rights-based approach to disability inclusion reframes the conversation: from viewing persons with disabilities as passive recipients of welfare, to recognizing them as rights-holders entitled to full and equal participation in society. The Basic Invalidity Pension should be seen through this perspective as a guaranteed support mechanism, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently, with autonomy, and dignity.
Basic Invalidity Pension Matters
Disability often comes with increased costs—mobility aids, assistive technologies, medical treatment, and sometimes even personal assistance. These are not luxuries; they are essential day to day tools for inclusion and survival. A fair and accessible pension helps offset these costs, offering a more level playing field.
It is important to recognize that not all persons with disabilities are able to participate in mainstream employment due to barriers—both physical and attitudinal. Some face fluctuating or invisible disabilities that prevent them from sustaining traditional jobs. Others may have profound impairments that limit their engagement with the labor market altogether.
Without support, many risk exclusion, poverty, and dependence. With support, however, they can contribute meaningfully to their communities in diverse ways—socially, creatively, civically, or through adapted livelihoods.
Disability: A Matter of Diversity, Not Deficiency
Disability does not mean inability. But it does mean limitations in various senses, abilities, and capacities. These may be physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial, or neurodevelopmental. They may be visible or hidden, temporary or lifelong. Regardless, society has a duty to remove barriers and provide accommodations to ensure participation and inclusion.
When we address a Basic Invalidity Pension, we are not giving charity we are fulfilling an obligation rooted in human rights, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Global Comparisons: A Mixed Picture
Countries worldwide take varied approaches to disability income support. In Scandinavian nations such as Sweden and Norway, disability pensions are integrated into strong social protection systems, ensuring financial stability along with comprehensive health and rehabilitation services. In Germany, people with disabilities can access disability pensions tied to their work history, while also benefiting from subsidized assistive devices and care services.
In South Africa, the Disability Grant is means-tested and provides modest support to adults with permanent disabilities. Meanwhile, India offers state and central disability pensions, but challenges remain in outreach, registration, and adequacy.
In many developing countries, however, pensions are either underfunded or inaccessible due to bureaucratic barriers, stigmatization, or overly strict eligibility criteria. This highlights the global gap between disability rights as envisioned by international frameworks and the lived realities of persons with disabilities.
The Case of Mauritius: Promises and Gaps
Mauritius has made important strides in providing a Basic Invalidity Pension to persons with disabilities, indexed annually through the national budget. As of recent figures, individuals deemed medically unfit to work due to disability can receive this pension to support daily living costs.
However, significant limitations remain. The system largely favors those with visible, permanent impairments, leaving out persons with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities. The application process can be hectic, and assessments often lack a multi-disciplinary or rights-based lens. Additionally, the amount provided may not fully cover the real costs of living with a disability including transport, therapies, assistive technology, and adequate person based nutrition.
Furthermore, there is a lack of integration between the pension system and other support services, such as inclusive education, vocational training, or community-based rehabilitation. As such, the pension alone cannot guarantee social inclusion without a broader framework of coordinated support.
Inclusion Requires Investment
A society that neglects its most vulnerable members is one that undermines its own strength. But a society that embraces diversity and supports inclusion builds resilience, fairness, and humanity.
The Basic Invalidity Pension is not just a policy; it is a lifeline and a symbol of respect. It enables persons with disabilities to live with independence, purpose, and dignity—and that is a mark of a truly inclusive nation.
Author Soovan Sharma Dookhoo
Comparative data was generated using A.I
Soovan Sharma Dookhoo 