(a) Whether the Government is aware that differently abled persons are facing great difficulties due to the lack of access to public facilities including public transportation;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is planning to make all Government and public buildings as well as public transportation across the country easily accessible for persons with disabilities; and
(d) If so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be done?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)
(a) to (b): For Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), universal accessibility is critical for enabling them to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society. Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Right and Full Participation) Act, 1995 under section 44, 45 and 46 categorically provides for non-discrimination in transport, non-discrimination on the road and non-discrimination in built environment respectively.
(c) to (d): Disability being a State subject, State Governments have been requested to take necessary action for implementation of the provisions of the PwD Act, 1995. To successfully operationalize and create accessible environment, Government has launched a multi-sectoral campaign the “Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)” as a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility for PwDs. The Campaign focus on enhancing the accessibility of Government and public buildings, and built environment which includes public transportation across the country. It covers surfaces, steps and ramps, corridors, entry ways, emergency exists, parking- as well as indoor and outdoor facilities, lighting, signage, alarm systems, toilets, air travel, buses, taxis, and trains etc.
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