News

Volume 3 Issue 2 - January 15, 2005

NHRC sets example with ramps

DNIS News Network - After advising others on the need to create facilities for the disabled at public places, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has finally shown it practises what it preaches.

The new office of the Commission on Copernicus Road (near India Gate) has ramps for the disabled. Sources said the renovation of the building -- Faridkote House -- originally belonging to the Punjab royalty, was delayed due to Chairman A.S. Anand’s insistence on laying the ramps for the disabled before shifting.

The ramps on the ground floor will help the disabled reach the offices of the chairperson and all members besides the facilitation counter — all designed on one floor to facilitate easy access.

The Commission’s lengthy advisories to governments on making provisions for movement of the disabled in public places had often earned it sarcastic remarks from the NGOs and activists. They had countered the directions, saying the NHRC must first turn to its cramped office at Patel Chowk which did not have even basic facilities for the disabled.

The shifting of the Commission’s office had, in fact, created problems for the public as its functioning has been affected for nearly a week. The files are now being shifted from the old premises. Sources said although the commission would resume its functioning for the public from Monday (January 10), normal functioning could begin only after January 15.

NHRC officials said all state government and central offices are being intimated about the change of address, which is off bus routes.