To make tourism more disabled-friendly, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday approved the necessary amendments to the Punjab State Culture Policy, 2017 & Punjab State Tourism Policy 2018, in compliance with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in line with RPWD, passed by the Government of India for protection of rights of disabled persons, all departments of the state government are required to adopt and incorporate its provisions. As such, the cabinet has approved inclusion of certain provisions of section 29 of RPWD Act in Punjab State Culture Policy 2017 and Punjab State Tourism Policy 2018.The Cabinet has given its nod to the addition of para 10.8, envisaging Special Provisions for Persons with Disabilities, in the Punjab State Cultural Policy 2017. These relate to facilities, support and sponsorship to artists and writers with disability to pursue their interests and talents; making art accessible to persons with disabilities; facilitating participation in dancing and art and redesigning courses in cultural and arts subjects to enable participation and access for persons with disabilities.
Similarly, special provisions for persons with disabilities have also been incorporated in Punjab State Tourism Policy 2018, which stipulates facilities and support to persons with disability to visit places of tourist interest in the State of Punjab; making art accessible to persons with disabilities and promoting recreational centres and other associational activities.Notably, the Punjab State Culture Policy 2017 was approved by the Cabinet on August 24, 2017. The main cornerstones of this policy are incorporating Art and Culture in Public Infrastructure, engaging the masses in Culture and to build democratic & human values through cultural exchange. Similarly, for giving boost to tourism in the state, the Punjab State Tourism Policy 2018 was approved by the Cabinet on February 15, 2018.