None of PU’s 99 buildings 100% disabled-friendly, finds accessibility audit

Radhika Pasrija

Chandigarh, February 2

The report of the accessibility audit conducted by Panjab University (PU) in December last year reveals that the campus lacks braille signage, tactile paving and footpaths for the disabled. Of the 99 buildings that were surveyed, no building was found to be 100 per cent accessible or disabled-friendly.

The findings suggest ramps in all buildings will be required to be replaced as these do not meet the Universities and Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021. The guidelines suggest for a wheelchair-confined person, the ramp gradient must not exceed 1:12.

The audit was done by a Delhi-based NGO, Samarthyam India, at a cost of Rs 1.78 lakh. It submitted a comprehensive report that includes findings and recommendations to help PU enhance its accessibility as per the guidelines in compliance with provisions of Section 32 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Narender Luthra, Assistant Section Officer, Equal Opportunities Cell for Persons with Disabilities, PU, said, “The audit was carried out professionally, keeping in view minute details like the height at which the call button of lifts are installed or how accessible is a water cooler for a person using clutches or wheelchair.”

A committee meeting, headed by Registrar Prof Yajvender Pal Verma, was held on January 30, during which the construction office was asked to prepare budget for the rectification of buildings as per recommendations.

The 700-page report summarises that the parking spaces dedicated for the disabled on the campus have been encroached upon and a washroom in the international hostel is the only one that meets set standards. The entrance to the administrative block itself is not disabled-friendly with a step of six-inch height.

As part of the recommendations, it is suggested that audio books be made available to those who are visually impaired and low-floor buses be introduced on the campus.