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1 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Paralympian: Attitude, Not Infrastructure, Is Real Barrier to Accessibility

Paralympian Ekta Bhyan stresses attitudinal barriers limit accessibility for disabled, elderly.

Paralympian: Attitude, Not Infrastructure, Is Real Barrier to Accessibility

Photo by Elizabeth Woolner

Paralympian Ekta Bhyan stated that attitudinal barriers, more than infrastructural limitations, confine people with disabilities to their homes. She called for the inclusion of elderly persons in accessibility initiatives. Accessibility remains a distant dream in India.

Divyanshu Ganatra, founder of Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, said that society's lack of contact with disabled persons leads to bias. He suggested delinking the disability model of accessibility from charity and promoting sports. Sports speaks the same language to everyone and helps push accessibility through spirit and intention.

Ganatra added that India has legislation to promote accessibility, but implementation is lacking. Joby Mathew, an Indian para-athlete, highlighted how lack of access to public spaces impedes his daily life.

Key Facts

1.

Attitudinal barriers: Limit accessibility

2.

Sports: Promotes accessibility

3.

Accessibility legislation: Lacking implementation

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice, Government Policies and Interventions

2.

Connects to syllabus topics on vulnerable sections of the population, disability rights, and accessibility

3.

Potential question types include statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on policy effectiveness, and essay questions on inclusive development

Visual Insights

Accessibility in India: Key Challenges

Highlights the key issues related to accessibility for persons with disabilities in India, as discussed by Paralympians and experts.

Attitudinal Barriers
High

Paralympian Ekta Bhyan emphasizes that attitudinal barriers are a greater obstacle than infrastructural limitations.

Implementation Gap
Significant

Divyanshu Ganatra points out that India has legislation to promote accessibility, but implementation is lacking.

More Information

Background

The concept of accessibility for persons with disabilities has evolved significantly over time. Initially, the focus was primarily on charity and welfare, viewing disability as a medical issue. This gradually shifted towards a social model that recognizes disability as a result of societal barriers, including attitudinal and environmental obstacles. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, reflects this shift in India, emphasizing inclusion and accessibility as fundamental rights. Historically, India's approach to disability was largely influenced by traditional social norms and limited resources. Early interventions were often focused on institutional care rather than community integration. However, the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, marked a significant step forward, mandating certain provisions for accessibility and non-discrimination. This act laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation and policies aimed at promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The legal and constitutional framework for disability rights in India is anchored in Article 14 (equality before law), Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution. The Directive Principles of State Policy also guide the government to ensure social justice and welfare for all citizens, including those with disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, further strengthens this framework by providing comprehensive rights and entitlements to persons with disabilities, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on improving accessibility through various schemes and programs. The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) aims to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities across the country. This includes making public spaces, transportation, and information and communication technologies accessible. Despite legislative measures and policy initiatives, challenges persist in the effective implementation of accessibility standards. Attitudinal barriers, lack of awareness, and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder the full inclusion of persons with disabilities. There is an ongoing debate about the need for greater enforcement of existing laws and the importance of promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities. Innovations in assistive technology, digital accessibility, and inclusive design hold the potential to transform the lives of persons with disabilities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of society. The government has set targets for achieving universal accessibility in key sectors, and ongoing efforts are focused on monitoring progress and addressing remaining gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about accessibility issues in India, as highlighted by Ekta Bhyan, for UPSC Prelims?

Ekta Bhyan emphasizes that attitudinal barriers, rather than infrastructural limitations, are the primary obstacle to accessibility for disabled and elderly individuals. Sports can promote accessibility by fostering spirit and intention. There is a lack of implementation of accessibility legislation in India.

Exam Tip

Focus on the difference between infrastructural and attitudinal barriers. Remember the role of sports in promoting accessibility.

2. What is meant by 'attitudinal barriers' in the context of accessibility for persons with disabilities?

Attitudinal barriers refer to negative perceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices towards persons with disabilities. These biases often lead to discrimination and exclusion, limiting their access to opportunities and full participation in society. Ekta Bhyan highlights these as a greater impediment than infrastructural issues.

3. How can sports promote accessibility for persons with disabilities, according to Divyanshu Ganatra?

Divyanshu Ganatra suggests that sports speak a universal language and can promote accessibility through spirit and intention. By engaging in sports, people with and without disabilities can interact, breaking down societal biases and fostering a more inclusive environment. This shifts the focus from charity to empowerment.

4. What are the recent developments related to accessibility in India, based on the provided information?

Recent developments include government initiatives like the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), which aims to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. This campaign focuses on making public spaces, transportation, and information and communication technologies accessible.

5. What is the 'Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)' and what does it aim to achieve?

The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is a nationwide campaign by the Indian government to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. It aims to make public spaces, transportation, and information and communication technologies accessible to all.

6. According to the information, what is lacking in India regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities?

According to the information, India has legislation to promote accessibility, but implementation is lacking. This means that while laws and policies exist to support accessibility, they are not being effectively put into practice.

7. What reforms are needed to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities in India?

Based on the provided information, reforms are needed to improve the implementation of existing accessibility legislation. Additionally, addressing attitudinal barriers through awareness campaigns and promoting inclusive practices in education and employment are crucial.

8. How does the lack of accessibility impact common citizens, especially the elderly?

Lack of accessibility confines people with disabilities and elderly persons to their homes, limiting their participation in social, economic, and cultural life. This can lead to social isolation, reduced opportunities, and a diminished quality of life.

9. What is the historical background of accessibility for persons with disabilities?

The concept of accessibility has evolved from a charity-based, medical model to a social model that recognizes disability as a result of societal barriers. Initially, disability was viewed as a medical issue, but now it is understood as a result of attitudinal and environmental obstacles.

10. What is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016?

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aims to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It provides for various measures to ensure their full and equal participation in society. However, the topic data primarily focuses on the implementation gaps rather than the specifics of the Act.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in India: 1. Attitudinal barriers are a more significant impediment to inclusion than infrastructural limitations. 2. Lack of contact between society and disabled persons contributes to societal bias. 3. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, has completely eliminated implementation gaps in accessibility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Paralympian Ekta Bhyan stated that attitudinal barriers, more than infrastructural limitations, confine people with disabilities to their homes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Divyanshu Ganatra, founder of Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, said that society's lack of contact with disabled persons leads to bias. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, is a significant step, the article highlights that implementation gaps persist. Joby Mathew, an Indian para-athlete, highlighted how lack of access to public spaces impedes his daily life.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the central argument made by Divyanshu Ganatra regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities?

  • A.Infrastructural improvements are the sole determinant of accessibility.
  • B.The disability model of accessibility should be delinked from charity and promoted through sports.
  • C.Legislation is sufficient to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
  • D.Accessibility is primarily a medical issue that requires specialized treatment.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Divyanshu Ganatra suggested delinking the disability model of accessibility from charity and promoting sports. He argued that society's lack of contact with disabled persons leads to bias, and sports can help push accessibility through spirit and intention.

3. Consider the following provisions related to the rights of persons with disabilities: 1. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law. 2. The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) aims to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. 3. The Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, provides comprehensive rights and entitlements to persons with disabilities, aligning with the UNCRPD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) aims to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, not the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, aligns with the UNCRPD and provides comprehensive rights and entitlements.

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