Lucknow. With the aim of making public transport services safe, accessible and barrier-free for disabled people, a state level sensitization program was organized on Wednesday at Vidya Bhavan in Nishatganj. About 40 senior officers and employees of the Transport Department from 28 districts of the state participated in this program organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Experts stressed on effective implementation of the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2016 and providing respectable travel facilities to passengers with disabilities.
The program was inaugurated by the chief guest, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Prof. Himanshu Shekhar Jha, Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Dr. Amit Kumar Rai and Deputy Commissioner with Disability Shailendra Kumar Sonkar lit the lamp.
Addressing the first session, Prof. Himanshu Shekhar Jha said that disabled people deserve not mercy or special favors, but equal rights, equal opportunities and dignified treatment. He appealed to the transport officers and employees to discharge their responsibilities with human sensitivity and a sense of dignity. He said that it should be ensured that disabled passengers do not face inconvenience, neglect or discrimination in public transport. It is the collective responsibility of all service providers to provide them safe and comfortable travel.
Information about legal rights and accessibility standards
Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Dr. Amit Kumar Rai gave information about the technical and practical aspects necessary to make public transport disabled friendly. He advised the transport workers to adopt cooperative and respectful behavior with the passengers.
In the second session, Deputy Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Shailendra Kumar Sonkar explained in detail about the main provisions, legal rights and statutory protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2016. He also informed about the efforts made in the last two years to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, solve their problems and increase accessibility.
Emphasis given on creating barrier free environment
In the third session, subject expert Amresh Chandra explained the need to develop a barrier-free and accessible environment for the disabled as per modern standards. He highlighted the infrastructural aspects related to it and the accessibility standards set.
In the concluding session the State Commissioner answered the technical and practical questions of the participants. After this, participation certificates were distributed to the officers and employees.