HARMONISED GUIDELINES AND SPACE STANDARDS FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY IN INDIA

 

Latest Context

The RPwD (Amendment) Rules, 2023 update the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021.

What is India's 2021 Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility?

• It is a set of guidelines and requirements for ensuring that people with disabilities (PwDs) in India may access the built environment, transportation, information, and other facilities and services.
• The standards are an update to the 2016 Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Persons.
• The emphasis has shifted from building a barrier-free workplace to universal accessibility in the recommendations.
• The principles apply to everyone participating in planning initiatives, from the construction of governmental structures to the master planning of cities, not simply Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the nodal ministry for carrying out the regulations.

How does India's legal system relate to people with disabilities?

• In December 2016, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was adopted, and it became effective in 2017. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was ratified by India in 2007.
• There are 21 different forms of impairments recognised under the RPwD Act of 2016.
• According to Section 40 of the RPwD Act 2016, the Central Government, in collaboration with the Chief Commissioner (for PwDs), develops regulations for people with disabilities, outlining the standards of accessibility for the built environment, public transport, information, and communication, including appropriate technologies and systems, as well as other facilities and services offered to the general public in urban and rural areas.
• Numerous projects are being undertaken under this, including the "Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan" (Accessible India Campaign).

• Other Initiatives:

1. Unique Disability Identification Portal.
2.  Accessible India Campaign.
3. DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme.
4. National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities.
5. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances.
6. National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities.

Prelims:

Q. India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law? (2011)

1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Mains

Q. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (2017)

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