A comprehensive audit conducted under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan has uncovered significant deficiencies in accessibility features for persons with disabilities across government offices, educational institutions, and public buildings in Indore district. The evaluation, which targeted 1,125 structures, has so far surveyed 913 buildings through 29 inspection teams, revealing a critical shortage of essential infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure gaps
Approximately 40% of the surveyed structures—363 buildings—completely lack ramps, severely restricting independent wheelchair access. Among the 550 buildings that do have ramps, 300 (55%) feature handrails that are either unsafe or do not comply with prescribed standards. Only 262 buildings provide on-site wheelchairs, forcing visitors in 651 complexes to rely on bringing their own mobility equipment.
Toilet facilities and navigation aids
The inspection report highlights that wheelchair-accessible toilets are available in only 255 of the 913 inspected buildings, while general accessible toilets are present in 354 locations. A widespread deficit in specialized navigation and communication aids for visually and hearing-impaired citizens was also noted. Just 35 buildings feature Braille information boards, leaving 96% of the complexes without tactile text options. Facilities for hearing-impaired visitors are limited to 31 structures only. Tactile paths for spatial orientation were found in only 88 buildings, and multiple multi-storey complexes lack elevator access.
Departmental performance
The evaluation showed varied progress among departments tasked with conducting inspections. The education department exceeded its initial targets, achieving a 103% completion rate. In contrast, the Tribal Affairs Department inspected only two buildings out of its assigned target of 87. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya completed audits for only 38 of its 85 campuses. Across the district, inspections remain pending for 311 buildings.
Official response
Collector Shivam Verma stated, 'Our aim is to make all government buildings disabled-friendly. All departments concerned have been instructed to make required efforts and arrangements to achieve the target.' The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive upgrades to ensure equal access for all citizens.
