Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Dec 22: Advisor Ladakh Umang Narula today reviewed the implementation of provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 in Ladakh and progress made in making Ladakh disabled-friendly.
Narula emphasized that all upcoming Government buildings shall meet the accessibility standards as per the ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Persons’ issued by the Government of India, in March 2016.
He also directed that the existing Government buildings should be retrofitted with ramp at the entrance and an accessible toilet to meet the basic accessibility standard. He directed all Administrative Secretaries to review the accessibility audit report prepared by the District Administration and earmark funds for making public buildings and spaces accessible for persons with disabilities.
Advisor stressed on ensuring accessibility, especially in schools and stated that a thorough review must be done of such requirements in schools. It was put forth during the meeting that an accessible model school may be developed with the help of experts, to be replicated further.
While reviewing the status of coverage of Unique Disability ID (UDID) for PwDs, Advisor directed the Deputy Commissioner and the Health Department for 100% UDID coverage for all Persons with Disabilities within the next month through special camps. He also said that a District Disability Rehabilitation Center should be established in both districts for providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to PWDs at the grass root level.
Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal while briefing on the action taken by Health Department said that PwDs can avail specialized medical services in hospitals outside Ladakh under the PMJAY. He said Department will try to have linkages between Health Card and UDID so that health services can be better facilitated to the PwDs.
Principal Secretary, Sanjeev Khirwar stated that accessibility standards were incorporated in the draft Housing & Building Bye-laws and that all new public buildings in Municipal area will have to strictly follow the prescribed accessibility standard.
Commissioner/Secretary Padma Angmo stated that a draft ‘Action Plan for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2022-27’ has been prepared in consultation with NGOs and departments and shared with Administrative Secretaries for chalking out department-specific detailed action plans and deliverables with timelines.
Advisor Narula directed the Administrative Departments to chalk out a detailed Action Plan for the Department by 25th January for achieving the desired outcomes.
Deputy Commissioner Leh Shrikant Suse, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Santosh Sukhdeve, Chief Engineer PWD Tashi Chombel, Director Social & Tribal Welfare Department Amit Chandel and Secretary Tourism Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan also attended the meeting.
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