DM orders undertaking accessibility audit of Srinagar schools

Srinagar: District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Friday issued an order directing ten errant schools notified as polling stations in the district to immediately allow construction of ramps at their premises as part of the ECI-mandated Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations.
The order states the setting up of ramps for Persons with Disabilities or PwD voters at notified polling stations is mandated as per the directions of the Supreme Court with the aim to facilitate them in exercising their right to full and effective participation and inclusion in society.
The order states that hindrances in this regard are undue and account for serious violation of provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951.
The order also orders constitution of a committee headed by the Joint Director Planning which will undertake accessibility audit of all government and private schools in the Srinagar district and submit compiled findings in the regard within a period of one month.
It states that enabling a barrier-free environment for students with special needs in schools is mandated under the J&K Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 as well as the central Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act 1995.
It also states that construction of ramps in schools as part of other measures for facilitating children with special needs is also mandated in the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ Manual On Safety and Security of Children.
The accessibility facilities at schools will be measured against the guidelines of the Supreme Court, Election Commission of India, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, National Disaster Management Authority among others ensuring safety of children, providing barrier-free access to schools and enabling education of children with special needs.