Moa Jamir
Key institutions in Nagaland fail accessibility checks
The directives from the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) issued on May 3 in response to inspections carried out at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) complex, Kohima and the High Court (HC) complex reveal a shocking lack of accessibility measures at these critical institutions and cast a shadow of concern over the establishment of an inclusive environment in Nagaland.
These orders reveal a disheartening reality regarding the lack of accessibility within two pivotal institutions: the NLA Complex, which serves as the hub for crafting laws, and the High Court Complex, where these laws are scrutinized and justice is dispensed, among others. Despite their significant roles, both complexes have fallen short in demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring accessibility for all, as reflected in the orders.
During the inspection of the NLA complex on February 14, 2024, the SCPD observed that there were no reserved parking spaces available for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as well as no drop-off at the entrance. While ramps were available at all the entrances to the complex, the ramp at the main public entrance was too narrow and steep without overhead roofing, and there was no ramp connectivity to the visitors or media gallery inside the Assembly Hall.
Additionally, the dimensions of the sole lift were found to be non-compliant with the prescribed specifications outlined in the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021 (Guidelines 2021).
Most concerningly, not a single accessible toilet was found in the entire NLA Complex. Besides, there were no signages or tactile paths for wayfinding, and no emergency exits.
Further, the Speaker's Box and the gallery for visitors and media were found completely inaccessible, while aisles leading to the Members' seats in the Assembly Hall were also inaccessible.
The findings in the HC complex inspection on March 19 were little better but barely judicious. While ramps were available at all the entrances, two at the main entry point were found too narrow and steep, making them unsafe for PwDs for whom the facilities are intended to be utilised. Doorways had sufficient space for PwDs using assistive devices, but entrance to all the Courtrooms had door thresholds creating barriers at the entry point.
Provisions for accessible toilets were also available only on the ground floor, and some were too narrow to manoeuvre for PwDs with assistive aids and devices, making the “accessible toilets inaccessible.” Lifts were also found to be not totally barrier-free, while witness stands and the podium areas were completely inaccessible. Accessibility standards, as specified under the Guidelines 2021, were also found missing in quarters and buildings under construction.
While the SPCD orders (suo motu) have issued an array of recommendations to the NLA Secretary, as well as the Secretary of the Justice & Law Department and the Engineer-in-Chief, NPWD, with a 3-month compliance period, the SCPD's orders expose a troubling gap between the ideals enshrined in law and the reality for people with disabilities in Nagaland.
As noted in this column earlier, the absence of regulations and policies is not the issue in the case of Nagaland since as early as February 5, 2019, the Nagaland PWD (Housing) notification directed all public/government buildings in the State to be made accessible to PwDs. Further, the “Nagaland Building Bye-Laws 2012,” issued by the State Urban Development Department, go even further by dedicating a chapter to “Additional Provisions for providing a barrier-free environment in public buildings for persons with disabilities.” The Guidelines 2021 are another addition.
However, despite the existence of established accessibility regulations and policies, numerous government offices and public spaces in Nagaland continue to lack the necessary infrastructure for PwDs, as evident by the periodic SCPD's orders in recent times. These findings, including the May 3 orders, highlight a critical disconnect between the intended function of these institutions and the current accessibility barriers encountered by PwDs. They raise serious questions about the effectiveness of efforts to foster a barrier-free environment in Nagaland and underscore the exigency to bridge the gap between policies and implementation.
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