Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa State Disability Commission (GSDC) has issued a notice to the Institute Menezes Braganza (IMB) over a complaint of inaccessibility of their premise for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
GSDC Commissioner Guruprasad Pawaskar has issued a notice based on a complaint filed by the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG). The Commissioner has asked the member secretary of IMB to submit a report on or before October 14.
The DRAG in its complaint has pointed out that IMB, which conducts various cultural and other programmes including government events, is not accessible for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, which is in violation of Sections 3, 29 and 45 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016.
The DRAG stated that the Act mandates equal opportunity, non-discrimination and easy accessibility for such persons. It said that the IMB also has no lift facility, as a result of which persons with disabilities and senior citizens are denied the opportunity to participate in or attend the events hosted by the institute.
The DRAG has demanded necessary directions to the IMB as not to conduct any activities on their premises till they install a lift or make the building accessible to all.