Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 2:Majority of the public buildings in Kashmir including banks, educational institutions, government offices and libraries are without access ramps, elevators, specific toilets and other such amenities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), thus making it extremely difficult for them to access and work in these places even though there is a law in place that promises such conveniences.
According to section 35 of the Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1998 (JKPDA), it is the responsibility of all Government departments and local authorities, to develop infrastructure accessible to physically challenged persons. As per Section 35 of JKPDA, Government departments have to set up ramps in public buildings, toilets for wheel chair users, Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts, ramps in hospitals, in primary health centers and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions. The failure of authorities to provide proper infrastructural facilities is also responsible for them not being considered for certain jobs, says an employee at Government College for women MA Road who is suffering from ambulatory disability. "We are not counted as productive human resource. I cannot work on 3rd or 4th floor partly because of my disability and largely because I am not provided the avenues," he said. According to census 2011, the state has a total population of 3.51 Lakh PwDs, of which 58 thousand have orthopaedic disabilities. The State Ministry for Urban Development has set aside 3% of total budget for the construction of ramps in government buildings to make public buildings accessible and functional for the PwDs.
However such construction is hardly undertaken in government buildings. "There is no lack of funds, but implementation" said, founder of Humanity Welfare organization, a non-governmental organization working for empowerment, integration and rights of people with disabilities. "However, we are making efforts to spread awareness about construction of ramps, especially in the newer buildings, to make them more inclusive." Given proper opportunities, physically challenged people can also make their mark in different fields, he believes. Moreover, the lack of ramps at hospitals and dispensaries, which is against the fire safety rules and regulations, concerns both PwDs as well as other patients. |
