Make accessibility mandatory for all new buildings in India
The Issue
When I first heard about the Access for All campaign launched by India's Prime Minister in 2016, it gave me a glimmer of hope. As someone who has seen firsthand the challenges faced by Divyanjan, individuals with disabilities, I know how crucial it is for our infrastructure to accommodate every citizen. However, despite this initiative, significant gaps still exist in accessibility across India, especially in new construction by private builders.
The government's mandate for accessibility in airports, railway stations, and bus terminals has been a great step forward. Yet, without making this provision mandatory for all builders, the vision of Access for All remains incomplete. Every new building, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, must be designed with accessibility in mind. This would enable people like my cousin, who relies on a wheelchair, to move around freely and independently.
Statistics reveal that over 26.8 million people in India live with disabilities, as recorded in the 2011 Census by the Government of India. Despite advancements in technology and design, a mere fraction of buildings cater to these needs. Without a mandatory implementation of accessibility guidelines, these millions of Indians are unfairly excluded from everyday life activities.
To address this, we must call upon the government to enforce mandatory accessibility standards in all new constructions. This would not only benefit current generations but also set a precedent for future urban planning. Ensuring accessible environments will also enhance business opportunities, as facilities will cater to a broader spectrum of clientele.
To make a real change, we need your help. Join us in urging the Indian government to enforce and expand the Access for All campaign, requiring that all building plans include critical accessibility features. Your support can help turn hopeful initiatives into actualized policies and create a more inclusive, barrier-free India.
Please sign this petition to demand mandatory accessibility provisions in all new buildings, so no one is left behind.
6
The Issue
When I first heard about the Access for All campaign launched by India's Prime Minister in 2016, it gave me a glimmer of hope. As someone who has seen firsthand the challenges faced by Divyanjan, individuals with disabilities, I know how crucial it is for our infrastructure to accommodate every citizen. However, despite this initiative, significant gaps still exist in accessibility across India, especially in new construction by private builders.
The government's mandate for accessibility in airports, railway stations, and bus terminals has been a great step forward. Yet, without making this provision mandatory for all builders, the vision of Access for All remains incomplete. Every new building, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, must be designed with accessibility in mind. This would enable people like my cousin, who relies on a wheelchair, to move around freely and independently.
Statistics reveal that over 26.8 million people in India live with disabilities, as recorded in the 2011 Census by the Government of India. Despite advancements in technology and design, a mere fraction of buildings cater to these needs. Without a mandatory implementation of accessibility guidelines, these millions of Indians are unfairly excluded from everyday life activities.
To address this, we must call upon the government to enforce mandatory accessibility standards in all new constructions. This would not only benefit current generations but also set a precedent for future urban planning. Ensuring accessible environments will also enhance business opportunities, as facilities will cater to a broader spectrum of clientele.
To make a real change, we need your help. Join us in urging the Indian government to enforce and expand the Access for All campaign, requiring that all building plans include critical accessibility features. Your support can help turn hopeful initiatives into actualized policies and create a more inclusive, barrier-free India.
Please sign this petition to demand mandatory accessibility provisions in all new buildings, so no one is left behind.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 28 September 2026