Latest news with #RightsofPersonswithDisabilitiesAct
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Despite rights panel nudge, PU yet to build ramp for PwDs
Chandigarh: Despite being flagged by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) and receiving a perfect score in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 for "facilities for physically challenged students", Panjab University (PU) still lacks a basic access ramp at the fee counter inside the on-campus SBI branch — a facility nearly every student visits while studying at the campus. Over seven months after the PSHRC issued a notice to PU, the university claims that the responsibility of building the ramp lies with the bank. A university official said the layout plan was prepared by the PU architect office and cost estimates were submitted to SBI representatives in Jan. "We are now awaiting action from the bank," the official said. In its reply to the commission dated Nov 11, 2024, PU had stated that it was working with SBI on finalising a revised ramp layout, after which construction would begin. The university also listed a campus-wide accessibility audit, a Rs 755 crore compliance estimate under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and a funding proposal under the Centre's SIPDA scheme. But even after these claims, there is no physical progress on the ground. While PU maintains that most buildings are accessible "up to the plinth level" and that ramps and accessible washrooms are built "on request," the lack of basic access at a high-footfall service like the fee counter has raised repeated questions about the gap between official paperwork and lived campus reality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Unsigned reply draws flak As per information received, the document submitted to the PSHRC was unsigned and carried no name or designation of any responsible official. The commission then directed PU to file a signed reply at least a week before the next hearing — May 29, 2025. With no response received, the matter has now been adjourned to Sept 23. Registrar Prof Y P Verma said the earlier reply was prepared by the equal opportunity cell for PwDs which was sent to the commission. "It generally has a cover letter mentioning the office from which it is issued. But if the commission is specifically seeking a signed reply, we will submit it again," he said.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
HC refuses relief to civil services aspirant seeking appointment from disability quota
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday disposed off a petition filed by a person with disability, seeking retrospective appointment to the civil services based on his performance in the 2008 examination. He alleged that he was denied reservation due to his mental disability. Holding that the selection process was valid, the court stated that it could not grant relief to the petitioner based on his marks from the 2006-2008 selection process. The petitioner said that upon a literal interpretation or rather misinterpretation of the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, reservations for persons with disabilities were provided only for 3% of the posts. Further, the posts identified were for only those suffering from blindness or low vision, hearing impairment, and locomotor disability or Cerebral Palsy. No posts were identified for those suffering from any mental illnesses. The petitioner stated that he was afflicted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is considered a mental disability within the meaning assigned under Section 2(s) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (2016 Act). He pleaded that despite him suffering from mental illness, he could not apply to the posts reserved for persons with disabilities in the selection process. Therefore, he applied to be considered against the posts reserved for the OBC category. In the examination held in 2008, the petitioner secured 1110 out of 2300 marks. However, he could not get a position under the OBC category. He stated that the last candidate selected in the category reserved for persons with disabilities had secured only 991 marks out of 2300. 'If posts were to be identified and reserved for those suffering mental illness, then he would have certainly secured a position in the civil services in the year 2008 itself,' the petition stated. Citing a 2013 judgment passed by the Delhi high court, the petitioner argued that the definition of 'person with disability' includes a person suffering from mental illness. He contended that the exclusion of those suffering from mental illnesses rendered the provisions of the 1995 Act arbitrary and unconstitutional due to the vice of under inclusiveness. The 2016 Act came into force, which legislatively redressed the petitioner's concerns by expanding the definition of disability and included mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, specific learning disabilities, and others, which were not covered under the 1995 Act. Based on the changed legal position under the 2016 Act, the petitioner represented to the central government and the Department of Disabilities that he should be appointed to the Civil Services based upon his performance in the 2006–2008 selection process. However, his representations were rejected by a communication dated July 5, 2018, and February 27, 2019. He was informed that no changes could now be made to the selection process that had concluded in 2008. Aggrieved by this, the petitioner approached the Bombay high court on April 1, 2019. However, observing that the grant of relief would lead to administrative chaos, the division bench of justice MS Sonak and justice Jitendra Jain disposed off the petition. It noted that his appointment at this point of time will give rise to several complications regarding seniority, induction, etc. 'The petitioner's case was fairly and sympathetically considered but the authorities quite correctly found it difficult to grant the petitioner relief that he was seeking at this point of time,' it concluded.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Disabled toilets not so accessible in public spaces of Bengaluru
'I have to carry around a 20 kg portable commode every time I go out, even if it is for 3-4 hours,' said M. Rose, a woman in her forties who suffers ambulant disability. As Bengaluru continues to grow with its burgeoning population, the disabled persons of the city struggle to find designated disabled washrooms with necessary amenities in most public spaces. The 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RWPDA), requires all public buildings and public toilets to be accessible for persons with disabilities. However, according to a claim by the 2024 report by R.V. University's Centre for Disability Justice (CDJI) and Inclusion and Centre for Gender Studies (CGS), the city has only 360 public toilets — greatly inadequate for a population exceeding 1.4 crores. The study examined 65 public toilets out of which only 14 had specific stalls for persons with disability. To use disabled washrooms calls for a frustrating series of inquiries in public spaces of Bengaluru. For instance, in places like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh metro stations, Shivajinagar and Shantinagar bus stations, in the middle of the city, disabled toilets have to be unlocked by the authorities before they can be used, according to a reality check conducted by The Hindu. Disabled persons reported that finding the right authorities is a task in itself. Yashwant Chavan, Public Relations Officer of the BMRCL however, claimed that every metro station has disabled toilets, which are properly accessible. Even Cubbon Park, a popular spot among city dwellers and tourists, doesn't provide toilet facilities designed for people with disabilities. However, Jagadeesh M., Joint Director, Parks and Gardens, Horticulture Department said that the facilities in the park are disabled friendly. 'We are also trying to improve the conditions of these toilets,' he said. Disabled people also highlighted that while certain places claim to be disabled friendly, they fail to install basic features like grab bars, accessible toilets, and wider turning spaces for wheelchairs along with doors that open outwards. S. Navya, who suffers ambulant disability, shed light on the complications involved while receiving aid. 'It is scary when you have to depend on someone else to help sit on toilets, or be pushed on a wheelchair ramp because you need to fully entrust someone.' Ms. Rose said 'I wish toilets with higher seats would be implemented. Being disabled doesn't only mean wheelchair users, but includes people like myself who have trouble walking but do not use wheelchairs.' In a few other places, disabled toilets are often used as storage spaces and some public disabled toilets are permanently locked, the disabled people mentioned. Like most other public toilets, disabled toilets also suffer from cleanliness problems. Brijendra Singh, a non-ambulant wheelchair user, expressed concerns over the risk of catching infections after using public restrooms because of unsanitary conditions and poor maintenance. All these issues have been highlighted time and again by representatives of the community. Venkatesh M., Secretary of Karnataka State Disabled and Caregiver Federation, lamented, 'We have protested, we have given notices. When we give those letters to government officials, no proper action is taken. We have given it to Deputy Commissioner too. They will give us dates for the next meeting, by then the current DC would have changed.' He further said that this problem is also common in toll plazas. The newer ones have toilets for disabled, but not some of the older toll plazas. Recently, there has been some progress in providing accessibility in this regard, according to S. Babu, Deputy Director of The Association of People with Disabilities. 'In 2023, in collaboration with the Urban Development Department of Karnataka, a study was conducted to understand the accessible facilities available for persons with disability. This study made us go ahead and launch an app called Yes2Access. All public places of Karnataka are under the process of connecting accessibility through the app. 'We are working with the Commissioner of Persons with Disability and the Directorate of Disability Welfare. Almost 7,000 staff have been involved in this whole process. No State in India has done this amount of value of accessibility.'
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
When work means wellness
Hospitals and not-for-profits have begun holding job fairs and employment programmes to help those with mental illness move from isolation to independence. CHENNAI: For nine out of 10 people, a job is about a salary. But for one of them, it could be about recovery. As per the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016, one in ten people in India suffers from mental disorders. What makes matters worse is that most of them find it difficult to get employment, which is a crucial step in their path to wellbeing. 'Mental illness can leave a person feeling worthless, physically, emotionally and financially, even within their own family. Just as physiotherapy helps surgical patients regain strength, employment can help with psychiatric rehabilitation,' says psychiatrist Dr C Ramasubramanian. Which is why a few psychiatrists, hospitals and not-for-profits have begun running job fairs and employment programmes to help those with mental illness move from isolation to independence. Among the most prominent is a free employment exchange run by city-based Schizophrenia Research Foundation (Scarf) in partnership with Chennai Psychiatric Society. More than 200 people and 20 employers gathered at their job fair on Saturday, open exclusively to all with mild to severe mental illness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo It was a response so overwhelming that Scarf has planned another on Dec 3, World Disability Day. 'Scarf also trains candidates in resume writing, interview skills and basic technical competencies before the fair,' says Dr R Mangala, psychiatrist and programme coordinator. 'But I've found that training candidates is not as much of a challenge as it is to change employer attitudes.' At the fair, she says, doctors are always asked: Will they turn violent in the workplace? Will they take leave frequently? Can they handle only basic tasks?' Her answer: 'No, no, and no. And we're happy to keep repeating it if it means at least one more employer is willing to listen.' Once convinced, some employers become steady supporters, says Dr Mangala. The Indian Oil petrol station outside the Scarf office in Anna Nagar now regularly hires people recovering from mental illness. 'We've never had a complaint from him or the employees,' she says. Research shows returning to work restores self-esteem, says Dr Aarti Jagannathan, consultant in psychiatric rehabilitation at Nimhans which runs a similar programme. 'We conducted a govt-supported study after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 came into effect to assess whether people with severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder could be employed and, more importantly, sustain those jobs.' More than half of those who came in for vocational rehabilitation were placed, she says. Follow-ups show most clients have stayed in their jobs for at least a year, supported by regular OPD visits and check-in calls to manage medication and workplace issues. Nimhans is now working with the Karnataka govt to identify job/ post identifications for people with mental illness under the 4% disability quota. Scarf and Nimhans use assessment tools to classify candidates as job-ready, trainable with support, or needing further engagement, based on which they also offer rehab plans, job matching and counselling. 'People with mental illness value employment,' says Dr Aarti. 'We haven't formally tracked attrition, but our experience shows they tend to stay longer because they know how hard-won the opportunity is.' Some return to jobs they held before the illness. Others, whose illness may have led to cognitive decline, are guided toward lower-stress, lower-pressure jobs. 'Night shifts are discouraged, as disrupted sleep can trigger relapse,' says Dr Mangala. 'Most people with mental illness don't struggle with tasks or technology, they freeze in social situations,' says D Srinivasan, district manager at Magic Bus, which trains young adults to be job-ready. Magic Bus runs a 45-day programme for youth aged 18-25 from low-income backgrounds. 'We use activity-based learning to help them open up,' says Srinivasan. 'When asked to describe themselves as an animal or object, for instance, we found many say 'ant' indicating they feel insignificant, or 'paper' (discarded), words that help us begin conversations about self-worth.' Ajan Kumar, among those trained at Magic Bus, says he spent years battling depression, making it difficult for him to hold down a job. 'My last job was at a bank, which I had to leave in 2024,' says the 35-year-old who was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder a year ago. 'It is hard for me to talk to people.' Trainees learn basic workplace skills like introducing themselves on their first day at work. A buddy system pairs them with empathetic peers, and HR managers meet candidates in advance to ease stigma. In two years, 54 youth with mental illness have been trained, and 34 placed in retail and IT roles, says Srinivasan. Scarf has placed 162 people in jobs over the past three years, while Dr Ramasubramanian's M S Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation (MSCTRF) has been running a placement programme in Madurai for a decade and matched more than 200 people with employment and self-employment. 'Many patients from rural backgrounds are given agro-based rehabilitation,' says Janarthana Babu, MSCTRF coordinator. 'We have tied up with a state university so they can earn diplomas, get loans, buy livestock, and make a living selling milk.' Rural Tamil Nadu seems to be more inclusive, say psychiatrists. People with mental illnesses find work in agriculture, under govt schemes like MGNREGA, or in neighbourhood shops. 'The community knows them, they're given light tasks, and there's no formal hiring process. It works,' says Dr Mangala. In cities, it's harder. There's more commuting, late hours, which for those on medication can lead to relapse. 'What they need is a bit of flexibility, something most companies can't offer,' she adds. Many also choose not to disclose their illness. 'They're doing well, holding jobs, even winning awards, but won't reveal their condition to employers,' says Dr Mangala. One client won a 'best teacher' award; another runs a YouTube channel. Both declined public recognition from Scarf. 'The stigma, especially among educated professionals, is still huge.' Ajan says that's why he chooses to speak up. 'I want more people to talk freely about what they're going through. Why should we have to hide? We exist and we want to work.' Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Ramps, Wheelchair Areas: Proposed Changes To Transport Systems For Disabled
New Delhi: A new draft framework has proposed sweeping changes to transport systems to make them more accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs), including mandatory wheelchair space in buses and Metro trains, step-free toilets at stations, level boarding ramps, and trained staff across air, rail and road transport networks. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited comments and suggestions from the stakeholders and general public on the draft accessibility standards for the transport and mobility sector. The draft 'Transport Accessibility Framework' has been prepared by the Strategic Accessibility Cell – Rights of Riders (SAC-RR). It lays out detailed, enforceable standards across the transport chain – from booking and boarding to infrastructure, vehicles and emergency response. Most measures are marked 'non-negotiable', meaning they would be binding once the guidelines take effect. The department said these draft standards, which identify non-negotiable rules, have been prepared to strengthen the creation of barrier-free environments in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and relevant rules. According to the draft, all new buses procured under Central schemes must include low-floor entry, ramps, safety belts, and designated wheelchair areas. Existing services such as PM eBus Sewa and Type III intercity buses would also be retrofitted with tested lifts or bridge ramps. At least four priority seats with seatbelts are required in each bus for people with limited mobility. Metro and rail platforms must deploy rubber gap fillers and boarding ramps, while coach doors and aisles must be widened to accommodate wheelchairs. Long-distance trains must include at least one accessible coach with wheelchair anchorage and a Type A toilet with grab bars, the draft noted. At airports, the draft calls for step-free access from parking to check-in, aerobridges with rollout ramps, designated wheelchair-friendly seating in aircraft, and availability of aisle chairs. Air carriers will have to provide storage space for assistive devices, and entertainment systems must include audio description and captions. The guidelines extend to taxi aggregators and e-rickshaws, which must include a share of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and train the drivers in disability assistance. Ropeways and ferries have also been brought under the framework, with specific norms on rescue equipment, platform gaps, and universal toilet access. In addition, transport hubs would need to build quiet or sensory rooms for neurodivergent passengers, install tactile guiding strips, and provide clear signage using both text and QR codes. Apps and online platforms must be made accessible, and complaint data related to disability access should be published on the portal. The framework also includes time-bound budgeting and procurement provisions and urges immediate updates to national policies such as the Motor Vehicles Act, urban bus specifications, and building codes. Stakeholder consultations on the guidelines are presently underway, with the final version expected to come out after deliberations, a senior official said.
