Centre seeks data on buildings accessible to differently-abled in Delhi

The disability division of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment today sought data from various departments of the Delhi government and local bodies as regards how many public buildings and places under their jurisdiction were differently-abled-friendly.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the ministry also asked them to draw an action plan with a definite timeline for making all the public buildings under their jurisdiction accessible to differently-abled persons as part of the "Accessible India" campaign by December 3, which is also the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 mandates all private and government institutions and establishments to ensure barrier-free spaces and services for differently-abled persons.

At a sensitisation meeting of all the stakeholders to make Delhi a model accessible city, the DEPwD asked the government departments and local bodies to come up with a roadmap and allocate funds for the purpose at the earliest.

In Delhi, 23 buildings were identified for making them accessible to differently-abled persons and the Centre has so far released funds for 19 of those, based on proposals from the Delhi government.

However, taking it beyond the "Accessible India" campaign, the DEPwD today proposed eight categories, covering over 250 public buildings and spaces including educational institutes, healthcare facilities and office buildings, for the purpose.

If the national capital could transform itself into a prime example of a "barrier-free environment" and "inclusivity", it would enhance the visibility of the campaign and serve as a model for others to follow, Shakuntala Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD, said.