A joint memorandum submitted to

The Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, Manipur for implementation/ compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full

Participation) Act, 1995 on December 1, 2012

 

Madam,

 

In connection with the above cited subject, we, the undersigned would like to draw your kind attention and lay before you the following memorandum for your kind perusal and expeditious necessary action please:

That, in order to give effect to the Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of the People with Disabilities in the Asian Pacific Region wherein India is a signatory, the Government of India had enacted the PWD Act, 1995 i.e. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

That, Sections 44, 45 and 46 of the Act also provides for ensuring barrier free access to Persons with Disabilities on the road, in built environment, and in transport.

Our humble suggestion here can be drawn from the provision of Section 46 of the Act wherein it is provided that the appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall provide for-

a.ramps in public buildings;

b. adaptation of toilets for wheel chair users;

c. braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts;

d. ramps in hospitals, primary health centres and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions.

 

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, with due concern for Persons with Disabilities and in tune with the provisions herein mentioned, had drawn the attention of Chief Secretaries of all the States/UT's for compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines vide its letter No. 9-2(BFE)/CCD/2005 (Vol.II) dated 24th January, 2012. However, it is lamented here that not a slightest glimpse of action taken could be noticed here in our District of Churachandpur. (Copy of the said letter enclosed herewith as Enclosure-I for easy reference)

 

We greatly lament here that the above cited provisions of laws and rules are golden letters on paper only. Application of the said provisions are nowhere to be seen. 

It is, therefore, our beseeching suggestion here that all Public (Government) buildings and public utilities be made barrier free and accessible for all in conformity with National Building Code of India as well as Guidelines issued by the CPWD (Enclosed). The District Administration may be pleased to implement the Act/ Rules by constructing ramps, braille symbol and auditory signals in any public utilities and buildings including presently constructed district Mini-Secretariat and all existing public buildings be renovated for barrier free access of such buildings by persons with disabilities as per the above mentioned section of PWD Act, 1995.

 

We also pray on this August occasion that the provisions of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 and Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Rules, 1996 be followed in letter and spirit so that the entire community of persons with disability may have the opportunity to live and grow in a barrier free society.

 

Thanking you in anticipation.

 

Sd/- 

(T. Sianmuanthang) 

President

(Nemboi Zou)

Secretary

Churachandpur District Disabled Union Churachandpur District Disabled Union

 

Sd/-(Pauzagin Tonsing)

Secretary,

Centre for Community Initiative

 

Copy to:
1. Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, New Delhi
2. Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Govt of Manipur