Anantnag: Contrary to its name Social welfare department in Anantnag is inaccessible to handicapped in the district as the office works from third floor with no ramps.
The office is located inside district commissioner office Anantnag.
Talking to INS Nisar Ahmad Bhat chairman of south Kashmir Handicapped Association Anantnag complained the the government left them at Gods mercy as the government fails to make ramps instead of stairs.
“We face lot of hardships during our visit to any Government office in Anantnag particularly in social welfare department.”
The social welfare department whose job is to take steps to ensure a hassle free movement of the differently abled persons lacks the basic necessary infrastructure in Anantnag the office is on third storey.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1998, “the government and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development provide for – a) ramps in public building; b) adaptation of toilets for wheel-chair users; c) Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts; d) ramps in hospitals, primary health centers and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions.” Nissar Added.
Meanwhile when contacted to the District commissioner Anantnag Mohd younis malik he assured to shifted the office on ground floor.
