In an era where inclusivity is no longer just a choice but a necessity, it is disheartening to note the persistent lack of basic accessibility facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Jammu. Despite legal mandates, judicial directives, and consistent advocacy by civil society groups, the ground reality tells a different story-one where many Government offices, banks, and public spaces remain inaccessible to a significant section of the population. This glaring oversight is not just a failure of governance but a breach of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. Accessibility is the cornerstone of equality and inclusion for PwDs. However, the situation in Jammu paints a bleak picture. Many Government offices, including essential ones like the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, and even the office meant for physically challenged persons, lack ramps and lifts. Shockingly, PwDs visiting the office of the Board for Physically Challenged Persons must endure the ordeal of climbing 25 stairs due to the absence of a ramp. Such instances reflect systemic neglect and raise serious questions about the implementation of accessibility norms.
The issue extends beyond Government offices. Most bank branches and ATMs are inaccessible, creating financial barriers for PwDs. Without proper facilities, they are often forced to rely on others for tasks that should be independent and dignified. This lack of autonomy not only affects their daily lives but also perpetuates a cycle of dependency and marginalisation.
The Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Centre to enforce mandatory accessibility standards is a significant step in the right direction. However, implementing these standards remains a distant dream. While laws like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2016, mandate barrier-free access in public buildings and spaces, their enforcement leaves much to be desired. The disconnect between policy and practice is starkly evident in Jammu, where even basic facilities like ramps and wheelchairs are conspicuously absent.
The situation is exacerbated by outdated infrastructure. Many buildings, constructed long before accessibility norms were established, have not been retrofitted to meet modern standards. Officials often cite the age of buildings as an excuse, as seen in the case of the offices under the Health Department. While new constructions promise inclusivity, they remain years away from fruition, leaving PwDs grappling with existing inadequacies.
The absence of accessibility is not merely an infrastructural shortcoming-it is a denial of dignity, opportunity, and equal participation. Every inaccessible staircase, every unyielding door, and every uneven pathway is a reminder of the systemic exclusion that PwDs face daily. The psychological toll of such exclusion is immense, fostering feelings of helplessness and alienation. Moreover, the inaccessibility of public offices directly impacts the ability of PwDs to access essential services, from healthcare to education and social welfare benefits. This not only hampers their personal development but also deprives society of their potential contributions.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that combines legal enforcement, administrative accountability, and societal awareness. Immediate action must be taken to retrofit existing Government buildings with ramps, lifts, and other accessibility features. This should be treated as a priority project with a clear timeline for completion. Authorities must ensure that all new constructions adhere to accessibility standards as mandated by law. Adequate funding must be allocated for accessibility projects. This includes not just building infrastructure but also training staff to assist PwDs effectively. Civil society organisations, disability rights activists, and PwDs themselves should be actively involved in planning and decision-making processes. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in designing truly inclusive spaces.
Inaccessibility is not just a logistical issue-it is a moral failure. The road to inclusion may be long, but it begins with small, meaningful steps. Keeping in mind the daily hardships being faced by PwDs, an early action is warranted. Government must ensure that the written promises become tangible, leaving no one behind.
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