"Tourism Ministry takes several steps to make destinations friendlier for differently abled": Tourism Minister

The Ministry of Tourism has taken following steps to make tourist destinations friendlier for the differently abled:-

(i) While submitting Detailed Project Report of a project under Swadesh Darshan or PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Schemes of the Ministry, State Government/Union Territory Administration has to submit an undertaking in the specified format stating that 'barrier-free environment for differently abled tourists has been incorporated in the design of the built-up areas of the project'. In addition to this, it is also specifically mentioned in the sanction order of the project that 'the executing agency shall put in place the mandatory facilities for barrier-free access by physically disabled persons'.

(ii) A category of National Tourism Award of 'Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument' is in existence to encourage the agencies responsible for maintaining monuments/tourist attractions to create barrier-free environment for the promotion of accessible tourism.

(iii) The guidelines for classification/re - classification of Hotels issued by the Ministry of Tourism have provisions for the following:

a. Specially designed dedicated room with accessible bathroom and specially designed furniture like almirah, audible and visible alarm system and doorbell.

b. Accessible public restrooms and Ramps with anti-slip floors to allow wheelchair access to public areas and at least one restaurant.

Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism has conducted a study on "Problems and Prospects of Accessible Tourism in India" in the year 2010.

According to the report, differently-abled tourists have to face many barriers at the time of booking and during the travel. Some of them are as below:

i. Poor understanding of their specific problem and requirement by the booking staff.

ii. Lack of accessible taxis and local transport facilities.

iii. Lack of proper information and signages at necessary point and intersection.

iv. Lack of affordable and accessible accommodation.

v. Lack of accessible public conveniences at a destination.

This information was given by K. J. Alphonse, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

--ANI