The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) recently released the new Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021, aimed at making India more accessible for persons with disabilities. These guidelines cover everything from design plans to implementation and aim to overhaul various aspects of the built environment. The Central Public Works Department of India, a central government authority responsible for public sector works, operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Central Public Works Department of India
The CPWD, established by Lord Dalhousie in 1854, handles a wide range of construction projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, flyovers, as well as more complex structures like stadiums, auditoriums, laboratories, bunkers, border fencing, and hill roads.
The New Harmonised Guidelines for Accessibility
These guidelines represent a revision of the 2016 standards aimed at creating a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities and the elderly. In this revision, the focus has shifted towards universal accessibility, which measures the extent to which an environment, products, and services are accessible to the disabled. It replaces the term “barrier-free design,” previously used to describe efforts to remove physical barriers in the built environment for people with disabilities.
Universal Accessibility for All
These guidelines are not just for disabled persons but also for those involved in planning projects, ranging from constructing government buildings to city master-planning. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is the nodal ministry overseeing these changes.
Legal Framework for Disabled People in India
In India, the law guarantees equality to all, including people with disabilities. Article 14 of the Constitution ensures legal and equal protection for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. India is also a signatory to the UN Convention the Right of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes accessibility as a human right.
Accessible India Campaign and Other Initiatives
The ‘Accessible India Campaign’, also known as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, is another initiative aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to gain universal access and equal developmental opportunities. This campaign focuses on enhancing accessibility by making infrastructural changes and adjusting information and communication systems. Alongside this, there are other related initiatives such as the DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities, Unique Disability Identification Project, and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
This legislation defines the responsibilities of the Central and State governments regarding services for persons with disabilities. It recommends the creation of a barrier-free environment that counters all types of discrimination against disabled persons, enabling them to enjoy the same developmental benefits as others.
Understanding Disability and Its Types
A disability is a condition that, for special reasons, prevents a person from doing things in the same way as most people. Disabilities come in various types, including intellectual disability, neurological and cognitive disorders, physical disability, and psychiatric disability. Each type affects individuals differently, impacting their quality of life and interaction with the world.