'Only 35 pc govt buildings are disabled-friendly'

Only 35 per cent of government buildings in Bengaluru are disabled-friendly,  Commissioner for the Disabled, K S Rajanna, said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “Most of the buildings lack ramps and disabled-friendly toilets. The department will be sending a circular to all government offices to ensure facilities are provided for the disabled. The same cannot be imposed on private buildings.”

There are 7,000 disabled people working in government offices, and among them, 2,500 got jobs by furnishing  fake medical certificates. There is a need to have a thorough medical examination of the disabled, he said, adding that the licences of doctors, who issue fake certificates, should be cancelled.

According to 2011 census, there are 13,24,205 disabled people in the State. They should be issued proper medical certificates and financial assistance as per the Disabled Act, 1995. “We have requested the chief minister, and the census for the disabled in the City and the State is likely to begin in another couple of months,” Rajanna added.The department has been receiving complaints of the disabled not enjoying equal job opportunities.

“In 2014-15, we received 1,653 complaints, of which 1,593 were disposed of at the discussion level and 35 were sent to court. In 2013-14, we received 1,255 complaints, of which only 18 cases were sent to court. At least, 70 per cent complaints are from men, complaining discrimination while seeking jobs,” said the official.