Govt buildings, stadiums to be redesigned in Delhi to better serve persons with disabilities

All government buildings and sports stadiums in Delhi will soon undergo redesigning to better serve persons with disabilities (PwDs), incorporating features such as ramps, lifts, Braille signage, and more, officials said on Saturday.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Mallika Nadda, president of Special Olympics Bharat, to review the ongoing Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan, according to an official statement.

The meeting, which was also attended by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials from the Office of the Chief Commissioner for PwDs, focused on improving accessibility in public spaces, educational institutions, and sports facilities, the statement said.

Under the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan, the city aims to implement wide-ranging accessibility upgrades across government and institutional infrastructure.

The campaign is geared towards promoting an inclusive, barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, ensuring that no individual is excluded from mainstream society because of disability.

“The government is committed to transforming Delhi into a model of accessibility and inclusion,” said Chief Minister Gupta. She added that the initiative will help raise awareness about accessibility standards and promote inclusive practices across public services.

The campaign is aligned with the national Accessible India Campaign launched in 2015, which seeks to ensure universal accessibility in infrastructure, transportation, and digital services for PwDs, the statement said.

Building on this vision at the city level, the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan aims to make Delhi India’s first ‘Purple City’ — a term used to describe a fully accessible and inclusive urban space.

The campaign will follow a three-pronged framework — Sarkar, Samaj, Bazaar. Government agencies will spearhead infrastructure upgrades to meet national accessibility norms. Local communities, including the elderly and people across 21 disability categories, will be engaged to ensure inclusivity.

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In addition, partnerships will be formed with vendors, innovators, and CSR initiatives to develop cost-effective accessibility solutions, the statement said.

The initiative is being supported by the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), which works towards promoting employment, entrepreneurship, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The meeting also proposed the organisation of a ‘Purple Fest’ under the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan. This festival will aim to foster a more positive and sensitive attitude toward the rights, talents, and capabilities of persons with disabilities.

According to the statement, all public buildings and stadiums will be equipped with ramps, lifts, Braille signage, wheelchair-friendly access, and audio-visual aids to ensure unhindered use by PwDs. Special schemes will also be launched to promote their participation in sports, education, and public services.

Reiterating the Delhi government’s commitment to equal opportunities, Gupta said, “This is not just a matter of social responsibility but a vital step toward building an inclusive and equal capital.”

(With inputs from PTI)