Govt seeks to enable 'barrier-free access' with new disability accessibility standards

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-09-06 08:37:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-06 11:17:27

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The draft accessibility standards for everyday products will ensure barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, according to the Government. Prepared by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), the standards include criteria like how much force is needed to use a product, weight, and the distance between the user and the product.

However, industry experts doubt the implementation of this initiative, despite the Ministry claiming it would be mandatory for all companies to comply with the standards once they are finalized. Multiple businesses perceive accessibility as a costly initiative, and the draft norms have come under criticism for not providing budget estimates or timelines for implementation.

There are also questions about the effectiveness of the draft standards when there is no provision for penalties in the event of non-compliance. Despite this being a positive step forward, gaps remain in actualizing the Indian government's vision of 'barrier-free access' for those with disabilities.

The closing statement can be a quote from a key political figure in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or NCPEDP commenting on the future goals and expectations of the draft norms. This quote can address the concerns raised by industry experts and convey a more optimistic message about the draft standards and the timeline for their implementation.

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