In a landmark policy decision aimed at making public infrastructure inclusive and barrier-free, the Haryana Government has decided to make compliance with universal accessibility standards mandatory in infrastructure projects funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Finance Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra shared this information here today.
She said that all eligible projects under the Centre-sponsored scheme would be required to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021. The move marks a significant shift from retrofitting existing buildings to incorporating accessibility features at the planning and design stage itself.
Under this, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Department of Architecture will ensure that accessibility standards are incorporated into the design and execution of all eligible projects, including new government buildings as well as renovation and repair works. Dr. Misra said the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, being responsible for a large network of public infrastructure including Mini Secretariat Buildings, Tehsil and Sub-Tehsil Office Complexes, Government Residential Quarters and Transit Flats, will ensure that accessibility norms are incorporated in all projects under its administrative control.
Dr. Sumita Misra said that integrating accessibility measures at the planning and design stage would ensure compliance with the statutory provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016, while eliminating the need for costly retrofitting after construction. She said adopting universal design principles from the outset would help create infrastructure that is inclusive, sustainable and accessible for every citizen.
Dr Misra further said that universal accessibility is not confined to persons with disabilities alone. Infrastructure designed on universal accessibility principles also benefits senior citizens, pregnant women, children and people with temporary mobility limitations. Features such as ramps, accessible entrances, lifts, tactile pathways, handrails, accessible toilets and proper signage make public buildings safer, more convenient and easier to use for all sections of society.
She said mainstreaming accessibility in public infrastructure would not only fulfil the statutory requirements of the RPwD Act but also strengthen Haryana's commitment to inclusive and equitable development. With this decision, Haryana has aligned its infrastructure planning with the national vision of Accessible India (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan).
The move is expected to set a benchmark for future public infrastructure projects by making universal accessibility a core design requirement rather than an afterthought.