SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, and Mission Accessibility, New Delhi, organised a sensitisation programme on the accessibility of public buildings under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
The event, held at the High Court Auditorium, aimed to strengthen state compliance with Supreme Court directives on accessibility.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere emphasized that the RPwD Act safeguards the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, stressing that accessibility should be seen not as charity but as a constitutional right and a prerequisite for equal participation in society.
She noted persistent gaps in the Act’s implementation, often due to lack of awareness and sensitivity among planners and officials.
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Justice Dere urged technical personnel, including engineers and architects, to incorporate universal design principles from the planning stages of public buildings, schools, workplaces, and other institutions.
“Accessibility is not a matter of charity, but a right guaranteed under the Constitution and the RPwD Act,” she stated, calling for inclusive infrastructure and the removal of attitudinal and physical barriers.
Social Welfare Commissioner and Secretary Pravin Bakshi, IAS, highlighted the legal mandate for accessibility and reported that access audits had been conducted in 15 district courts and six district prisons to identify and address barriers.
The programme—attended by High Court judges, government officials, and stakeholders—included expert sessions aimed at improving understanding and effective implementation of accessibility requirements under the RPwD Act.
(4FrontMedia news)
