Bandipora, Feb 12: Government offices, banks, and public institutions in Bandipora have become inaccessible for the specially abled persons of the district in absence of ramps and non-functional lifts exposing the government claims of providing inclusive infrastructure and subsequent inclusive governance.
Several specially-abled persons and activists told Kashmir Convener that even Mini Secretariat Bandipora has become inaccessible for the specially abled persons as the lifts are not working since many years forcing persons with locomotor disability to crawl to reach to the second or third floor of the mini secretariat. “ This is the condition of the top office of the district, not to talk about other government offices”.
Like Mini Secretariat Bandipora, Grameen Bank in Bandipora town has also become a headache for specially abled persons. “The bank is present on the second floor of a building and even a normal person has to take extra caution while going upstairs,” said Mohammad Ashraf Khan, an octogenarian from Bandipora village.
Locals said most of the specially abled persons get welfare pensions from Grameen Bank and visiting the bank has become a headache for specially-abled people.
The specially-abled persons appealed Commissioner Disabilities, Mr Iqbal Lone and Social Welfare Department to take up the issue with concern for prompt resolution.
While talking to Kashmir Convener, District Social Welfare Officer Sahir Majeed stated that an accessibility audit of all government departments would be conducted soon.
He emphasized that under the Accessible India Campaign, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines, and Supreme Court directives, public buildings must ensure barrier-free access for all individuals.
“We are committed to ensuring accessibility in all government offices. Necessary steps will be taken in line with legal mandates and national guidelines,” he said.
Authorities have assured that efforts will be made to implement accessibility standards, ensuring inclusive infrastructure for specially-abled persons across the district.
