The Nagaland State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) has directed the Home Department and the Deputy Resident Commissioners (DRCs) of all the Nagaland State Guest Houses located in various states to make the buildings barrier free and universally accessible as under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. This will facilitate not only persons with disabilities but also senior citizens, people undergoing medical treatment, children and pregnant women, SCPD Diethono Nakhro stated.
In the order issued on 22nd February 2024, the Commission has given the Department and DRCs three months to complete the necessary renovations and retro-fittings and submit the Action Taken Report to the court.
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Sharing its findings from the Accessibility Audit Inspection, conducted at the Nagaland State Guest House R.K. Puram, New Delhi on 28th November 2023, SCPD said that of the total 32 rooms in the building, not a single room/suite was found accessible and barrier free.
Following the inspection, the SCPD Court has issued an Order with a number of recommendations to be complied with within three months. The recommendations are issued not only to the Nagaland State Guest House at R.K. Puram, Delhi, but also to the other State Guest Houses in existence in other States, SCPD asserted.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Ramps & Railings:
(i) Ramp facilities must be constructed with hand railings for support where necessary.
(ii) Ensure that hand railings are installed at the entrance steps.
- Toilets/Utilities:
(i) An accessible toilet with all necessary fixtures such as grab bars, railings, wash basin at appropriate height, etc., should be made available at the ground floor/lobby of the building as the said floor would be a common area for all.
(ii) Front Desk/Reception area must be made accessible as per the standards prescribed under the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021.
- Elevator/Lift:
Converting at least one elevator/lift as per the standards and specifications prescribed under the Harmonised Guidelines must be considered.
- Signages:
Accessible signage and way-finding maps should be made available at strategic points, including raised or tactile letters, high contrast colours, and Braille or tactile symbols. Tactile guiding paths and colour contrast should be provided on staircases throughout the building. Signage should also be provided for evacuation plans and exit routes in case of emergencies.
- Accessible Room/Suite:
At least three rooms/suites on each floor must be made fully accessible for persons with disabilities by installing all necessary facilities which includes furnishings, fixtures such as door handles, faucets, hand railings, grab bars, shower seat and/or removing all barriers which may hamper free movement of occupants. As stated, this will facilitate not only PwDs but also senior citizens, persons undergoing medical treatment, children and pregnant women.
- It must be noted that the above Recommendations are issued not only to the present Nagaland State Guest House at R.K. Puram, Delhi but also to the other State Guest Houses in existence in other States. With the up-coming State Guest Houses and Patient Guest Houses in different States, the standards as prescribed by the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021, must be followed and implemented strictly from its inception so that such instances of renovations and retro-fittings are avoided as it leads to loss to the State Exchequer while also being time consuming.
- Training/Workshops should be conducted regularly to sensitise Officers and Staff towards the needs and requirements of Persons with Disabilities.
- It is strongly recommended that a Committee be constituted to provide ongoing guidance and advice on identification, removal and prevention of barriers to accessibility at the State Guest Houses located in other States, as well as in all the Department properties.
- Accessibility audit should also be carried out annually in the Department to ensure that standards as prescribed by the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021 are being complied within all offices, quarters, new constructions, etc.
