From the States

New Delhi: Bureaucratic indifference

A visit to the office of the social welfare department Connaught Place revealed the glaring absence of facilities mandated for the disabled.

The department does not have a smooth ramp for wheelchairs. The agony for handicapped does not end here. Even if they manage an entry braving the uneven surface of the entrance in every other room of the building they face a daunting task of climbing stairs with crutches, making most places inaccessible.

Though the Indian Constitution provides for the creation of a barrier free environment for persons having disabilities under persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, very few steps have been taken to implement it.

“We accept that in private buildings and in most public transport facilities, constructing ramps is a challenge and might not be possible at least all but the limited service centers which have been provided to us by the government should have the basic amenities.” Said Mr Rishi Raj, a government employee.

Even though he is working in the public sector, Mr Raj complained that Government officials are insensitive towards the disabled and their indifferent attitude drives the handicapped away.

Mrs Jaya Gaur, volunteer of an NGO called Akshay Pratishthan, which works for disabled persons said, “Accessibility must be improved by building ramps in public buildings, adaptation of toilets for wheelchair users, Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators. Such steps might not make a hole in the government’s budget but the life of these deprived people would change drastically.”

When the Delhi social welfare board’s secretary, Mrs Khursheed Bano, was asked about this, she said, “We just deal with policies and programmes. I have no idea about this.”

Source: Handicapped still waiting for basic amenities in govt offices. The Statesman, Daily, New Delhi, 16 October 2006.