“To begin with, the ministry will undertake access audit of around 30 central buildings in Delhi. The idea is that a disabled person should also be able to participate fully in all aspects of society,” a ministry official told The Indian Express. After discussions within the ministry, the access audit report will be implemented by the Central Public Works Department and other agencies within two years in the national capital.

The implementation of the report will be monitored by the ministry every six months. “Further, random audit of access shall also be carried out in consultations with building owners. Such reviews shall also be integrated with the existing mechanism for review of programmes like Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission,” said the action plan document prepared by the ministry. To assist the state governments, the central government will prepare and disseminate common guidelines for barrier free environment, in consultation with experts from IIT, Roorkee and NGOs by March 2010.

So far, only 13 out of 35 states and union territories have amended their laws, while three others — Chandigarh, Goa and Mizoram — are in the process of doing so currently.

(* Name changed on request)