Akshay Azad
JAMMU, July 4: The repeated requests of Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department (JKSWD) to various Government departments to create friendly infrastructure for physically challenged population, have fell on deaf ears as nothing has moved anywhere.
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had sought proposal from the State Government departments, for providing funds for creation of infrastructure under Scheme of Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act 1995 (SIPDA), but the State Government departments didn't forward the proposals.
Sources informed Early Times that according to section 35 of the Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1998 (JKPDA), it was the responsibility of all Government departments and local authorities, to develop infrastructure accessible for physically challenged persons.
According to Section 35 of JKPDA, the 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.
"So for majority of departments have failed to comply with the section 35 of JKPDPA Act", sources said, adding that the Social Welfare department, through various communications, time and again, has brought into the notice of departments for strict implementation of provisions, so that disabled friendly environment should be created across the state to meet the obligations as provided in the law/rules governing the field.
"But unfortunately most of the important departments have failed to adhere to these guidelines rules thereby causing immense troubles to the persons with disabilities", they said.
Moreover, sources said, on the instructions of concerned Union Ministry, proposals were sought from all departments for funding under SIPDA, to implement the provisions of JKPDA. "According to Section 35 of J&K Act, the departments shall have to create infrastructure from their own economical resources, due to which Union Ministry had sought proposals, but unfortunately, showing total disregard, the Government departments in J&K gave very poor response, which revealed their lackadaisical approach of authorities concerned", sources said.
An official in Social Welfare department said that the department has taken strong exception of the poor response given by Government departments, so it has been impressed upon them to adhere these provisions so that any inconvenience to the physically challenged persons, would be avoided.
He also said that if any department would not comply with the directions, it would be considered as breach of law and necessary action would be taken against the department heads. |
