SHILLONG: The plight of persons with disabilities in the State continues even as the Centre is harping on improving facilities for the differently-abled.
From government offices, schools to shopping malls, there are hardly ny facilities like ramps or wheel chairs for the differently-abled people. The State Secretariat building is the only place where there ramps.
None of the government offices or schools has wheel chairs.
The mushromming hotels and shopping malls in the city are oblivious to the rights of persons with disabilities.
As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Government and local authorities should formulate and publish an action plan based on prioritisation, for providing accessibility in all their buildings and spaces providing essential services such as all primary health centres, civil hospitals, schools, railway stations and bus stops.
But none of the public places in the State are accessible to the differently-abled.
Last year, the Khasi Disability Association (KDA) had slammed the State Government for its alleged indifferent attitude towards the differently-abled people even as it alleged discrimination at every step.
The Supreme Court had recently ruled that 3 per cent reservation should be provided to them in all posts and services under the Government of India.
When contacted, an official of the State Government said the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities had issued a notification long time back asking all departments to strictly implement the 3 per cent reservation for persons with disabilities and that the directive is being adhered to as and when vacancy is available.
Officials also said as per the information available on hand, 59 persons with disability, including six casual staff, have been employed in government offices in and around Shillong.
