GUWAHATI, March 23 � Shishu Sarothi, Centre for Rehabilitation and Training for Multiple Disability has filed a public interest litigation (PIL No. 32/2013) highlighting the negligence on the part of the North East Frontier Railway to provide a �barrier-free environment� for persons with disabilities at the Railway Stations in Guwahati.
The Division Bench of the Court on March 19, 2013 after hearing the counsel for Shishu Sarothi, has, in the said PIL No. 32/2013,�called upon the respondent railways to file a response to the averments made by the petitioner in the said PIL. The matter has been directed to be listed again in May, 2013, a press note mentioned.
Sources in Sishu Sarothi have revealed that although several costly augmentation of the station has taken place in recent times, sensitivity shown towards the physically challenged is pathetic.
Appalled by prevailing situation, Shishu Sarothi had started the campaign for a barrier free environment in the railway stations in Guwahati on November 20, 2012 when 15 disabled students from the organisation faced immense difficulties while travelling to New Delhi to perform at the national school of drama at the Jashne Bachpan festival.
Absence of such basic facilities like availability of wheelchairs in the stations, inaccessible toilets, and inaccessible platforms all stood as a severe stumbling block impeding the path of equal participation of these children with disabilities and their right to dignified mobility.
Having received no response from the railways, in spite of its representation, the present public interest litigation has been filed by Shishu Sarothi. The organisation now will see whether or not the competent authorities in the railways, rise to the occasion and fulfill their responsibilities towards making the Guwahati railway station truly disabled friendly.
