The new government office in Dehradun is not accessible to my wheelchair, can I complain under the state accessible buildings law?

Detailed Legal Analysis

You can file a complaint regarding the inaccessibility of the new government office in Dehradun under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates accessibility in public buildings.

The Act aims to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities, including access to public spaces. Specifically, it emphasizes that all public buildings should be designed and constructed to be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Here are the relevant points you should consider:

• Legal Framework: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Act No. 49 of 2016) outlines the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities, including the need for accessibility in public spaces.
• Section 44: This section specifically mandates that appropriate government authorities ensure that all public buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities.
• State Government Responsibility: According to Section 40 of the Act, it is the responsibility of the state government to implement measures for the effective realization of these rights, including ensuring the accessibility of public infrastructure.

To file a complaint regarding the inaccessibility of the new government office, you can follow these steps:

• Document the Issue: Take note of specific accessibility barriers you encounter, such as steps without ramps, narrow doorways, or lack of elevators.
• Gather Evidence: Collect photographs or videos demonstrating the inaccessibility of the building.
• Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to the local municipal corporation or the district disability officer in Dehradun to report the issue. You can provide the documented evidence along with your complaint.
• File a Formal Complaint: You can draft a formal complaint letter addressed to the relevant authorities, citing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and detailing your experience. Ensure to mention the specific sections of the Act that support your complaint.
• Follow Up: After submitting your complaint, follow up with the authorities to ensure that your concerns are being addressed.

If the local authorities do not respond adequately, you may also consider reaching out to organizations that advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities for further assistance in escalating your complaint.