The new government office in Nashik 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 Nashik under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Maharashtra State Building Bye-Laws, which mandate accessibility in public buildings.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aims to ensure equality, dignity, and accessibility for persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. Under this Act:

• Section 44: States that all public buildings must be accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Section 40: Mandates that the appropriate government shall take necessary measures to ensure the accessibility of public buildings.

Moreover, the Maharashtra State Building Bye-Laws, 2019, also emphasize the need for accessibility in public structures. Key points include:

• Accessibility Requirements: All public buildings should have ramps, lifts, and other facilities to ensure ease of access for persons with disabilities.
• Compliance: Building plans submitted to municipal authorities must include provisions for accessibility.

If the new government office in Nashik does not comply with these regulations, you can take the following steps to file a complaint:

• Document the Issue: Take photographs and note specific details regarding the accessibility barriers you encountered.
• Contact Authorities: Reach out to the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) or the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) to report the issue.
• File a Formal Complaint: You can write a formal complaint detailing the accessibility issues and the specific laws that are being violated. Ensure to include your contact information for follow-up.
• Seek Assistance from NGOs: Consider reaching out to organizations that advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities for support in filing your complaint.

In addition to the above, you may also approach the Maharashtra State Commission for Persons with Disabilities if a satisfactory response is not received. It is essential to advocate for your rights and ensure that public buildings are accessible to all.