Nagaland Youth Resources and Sports dept. asked to make facilities accessible for Persons with Disabilities

DIMAPUR — The Court of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) has issued a series of recommendations to the Nagaland department of Youth Resources and Sports, mandating them to make sports facilities and programmes accessible to people with disabilities.

This order follows a suo motu inquiry launched by the SCPD on Feb. 29, 2024, concerning the implementation of accessibility provisions in sports facilities and programmes. A subsequent joint inspection of the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports office building and the Multidisciplinary Sports Stadium in Chümoukedima took place on July 5 and July 17, 2024.

According to a press release received here on Tuesday, the department submitted that the Directorate Office Building is over 40 years old and carrying out of renovation and retrofitting works would be unsafe. It also informed the court that a proposal for relocation is underway and pledged to incorporate accessibility features in the new location.

In an order issued on September 11, the SCPD court outlined specific recommendations, including: removing barriers at entrances and hallways, installing overhead shelters for ramps, constructing ramps according to accessibility standards, creating barrier-free access to toilets, completing an accessible toilet at the office building, providing reserved parking spaces, and installing accessible signage and wayfinding systems, at the office building as well as the stadium.

The court also recommended that the department implement accessibility standards in all multidisciplinary sports stadiums across the state, incorporate accessibility features in all future constructions, develop an action plan to retrofit existing facilities, and ensure the implementation of relevant government guidelines promoting sports among people with disabilities.

Additionally, the court recommended the formation of a dedicated cell or committee for parasports and the promotion of sports for people with disabilities, as well as regular sensitisation training for department staff on disability rights and relevant guidelines.

The Department of Youth Resources and Sports has been given three months to comply with the recommendations and submit an action-taken report to the SCPD Court.