Manipur is yet to implement 99% of provisions under People With Disability (PWD) Act 1995

IT News
Imphal, Oct.17: Manipur is yet to implement 99% of provisions under People With Disability (PWD) Act 1995 which defines Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act, said L.Nabakishwar Singh,IAS, The State Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities, Government of Manipur.
Attaining the opening ceremony of the 8th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign 2015 today held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Nabakishor said section 44,45,46 of PWD Act 1995 clearly states that, there should be (1) adaptation of Universal Design in transport system like Bus, Railways, Aircrafts, (2) ramps in public buildings including Hospitals, banks and Schools, Institution, market shade etc. (3) Causing curb cuts and slopes to be made in pavements for the easy access of wheel chair users (4) Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts and installation of auditory signals at red lights in the public roads (5) engraving on the surface of the zebra crossing for the blind or for persons with low vision and (6) Pasting Symbols at proper places.
 However, he said regarding the effective implementation of the provisions the state, he has written letters to the concern departments including transport and medical, but no positive report has come so far. Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) too has written clearly in their bye laws regarding the provisions for PWD, but he said it still remains a matter of discussion. In Manipur, 99% of the provisions under the act still fail to be implemented, he added.
He further said, PWDs will able to be free from barriers only when the facilities under the Act are implemented effectively.
Launching the campaign,  Nabakishor also released poster and leaflets during the ceremony.
While in his key note address of the ceremony, Dr.Sapam Jasowanta, Secretary General, Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur said being handicapped does not weaken them, but attitudes by their surroundings are the problem.
When they are free from all the barriers such as Attitudinal barriers, Environmental/Physical barriers, Systematic barriers in employment and civic programs, Communication barriers and Architectural barriers, they will be able to lead a normal life, he furthered.
During the Fortnight Barrier Campaign jointly organized by HD Foundation and The office of state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt of Manipur, which will continue till 31st of this Month will conduct certain forms of awareness programs.