The Court of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) has directed the Department of Youth Resources & Sports to ensure that the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, and the Multidisciplinary Sports Stadium in Chümoukedima are transformed into fully inclusive and barrier-free environments. The department has been given a timeline of three months to comply with the Court’s recommendations.
According to a press release issued by the SCPD, the directive followed a Suo Motu Inquiry initiated on February 2, 2024. This inquiry addressed the implementation of accessibility provisions in sports facilities and the development of sporting talents among persons with disabilities. Following this, a Joint Inspection of the Directorate building and the Multidisciplinary Sports Stadium was carried out on July 5 and July 17, 2024, to assess the current accessibility conditions.
The SCPD also said that the respondents submitted that the Directorate Office Building is more than 40 years old and carrying out of renovation and retrofitting works would be unsafe. However, they assured the Court that once the proposal to relocate the office is approved, the new site will be equipped with accessibility features in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and associated guidelines.
In its order, the SCPD Court issued a series of recommendations to be implemented at both the Directorate Office and the Multidisciplinary Sports Stadium. These include:
Renovation and Retrofitting: Necessary changes must be made to both the Office building and the Stadium to create a fully inclusive environment.
Removal of Barriers: Obstacles like potted plants near entrances, ramps, and hallways must be relocated to allow for better accessibility.
Ramp Adjustments: The existing ramp at the Office building needs overhead shelter and surface repairs, while the ramp at the Stadium’s main entrance must be constructed according to the Harmonized Guidelines.
Barrier-Free Access: The doorway at the back of the Stadium leading to the toilet area should be made fully accessible.
Completion of Accessible Toilet: The accessible toilet under construction at the Office building should be completed with necessary fixtures, including grab bars and wash basins.
Parking Facilities: Reserved parking spaces for persons with disabilities must be available at both the Office and Stadium, with proper measurements for ease of vehicle access.
Signage: Accessible signage and way-finding systems must be installed at key locations, along with emergency evacuation plans and exit route signage.
Uniform Accessibility Standards: All future construction of stadiums and offices must comply with the latest accessibility standards as per the Harmonized Guidelines.
Action Plan for Retrofitting: An action plan must be devised to renovate and retrofit existing sports facilities, stadiums, and offices to meet accessibility standards.
Policy and Program Development: Policies to promote grassroots sports for persons with disabilities (PwDs) must be developed to encourage their participation in youth activities.
Dedicated Parasport Cell: A dedicated Cell or Committee should be established to manage Parasport and promote sports for PwDs.
Training and Sensitization: Regular training and workshops on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and associated guidelines should be conducted for department staff.
The SCPD Court has ordered the Department to implement these recommendations and submit an Action Taken Report within three months.
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