Draft NEP 2019 P 6.8.3 Physical access to schools for children with special needs will be enabled through prioritising barrier-free structures, ramps, handrails, disabled friendly toilets, and suitable transportation for CWSN to comfortably attend schools. While in the long-term, the goal will be for all schools to have such facilities, in the interim schools and school complexes will be able to apply for funding to arrange and build such facilities as needed.
The words “long-term” are vague and invite complacency and lack of accountability. It also contradicts the letter and spirit of the government’s existing legislation which is time-bound and uncompromising in the period for compliance.
Specifically, this statement is not in line with RPWDA which clearly states that all public establishments must be made accessible within 5 years of the publication of the RPWDA 2016 Rules which happened in June 2017. So June 2023 is the cut-off date for making buildings accessible.
Quote:
“THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016 (NO. 49 OF 2016)
[27th December, 2016]
CHAPTER VIII
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTS
- (1) All existing public buildings shall be made accessible in accordance with the rules formulated by the Central Government within a period not exceeding five years from the date of notification of such rules:”
The statement of P6.8.3. Should be changed to be in line with RPWDA Act and Rules.
Remove the sentence:
“While in the long-term, the goal will be for all schools to have such facilities, in the interim schools and school complexes will be able to apply for funding to arrange and build such facilities as needed.”
Replace with something along the lines:
“Physical accessibility will be done in all school in line with the “Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons With Disabilities and Elderly Persons” as stated in RPWDA 2016 Clause 15. Rules for Accessibility.
These modifications must be done by June 2023 as per the rules in the same act: “45. (1) All existing public buildings shall be made accessible in accordance with the rules formulated by the Central Government within a period not exceeding five years from the date of notification of such rules:”