(a) whether the Union Government has instructed the State Governments to direct local
bodies to create a hassle free and conducive atmosphere for free movement of disabled in
Government establishments;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the implementation status of such instructions
State-wise including Kerala; and
(c) the other steps taken or proposed by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)
(a): Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal Ministry dealing with
the issues of persons with disabilities, its law, policies and programmes and Administers
the persons with Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act, 1995. Section 46 of the said Act deals with non-discrimination in the built environment
and mandates the appropriate Governments and local authorities to provide for free movement of
persons with disabilities in public buildings. That Ministry, from time to time, reiterates the
provisions of the said Act to the Central Ministries/ State Governments for proper implementation.
Since this Ministry deals with the matter relating to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), this
Ministry also requested on 05.09.2012, the Panchayati Raj Departments of all States/ UTs
including the State of Kerala for bringing the provisions of section 46 of the above mention
act to the notice of concerned authorities of PRIs at all levels.
(b): The reply received from Kerala shows that sixty-one Gram Panchayats have provided such
facilitiy to enable hassle free movement for the disabled.
(c): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj continues its role of advocacy in the matter.