Panaji: Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), an organiation working for the welfare of differently-abled persons on Thursday warned State Transport Department of legal action, if recently amended central Motor Vehicle Act is not implemented in the State.
DRAG President Avelino De Sa told reporters in Panaji that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Govt, of India on December 27, 2019 has amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 making it mandatory to ensure that the public buses are accessible for persons with disability and elderly before issuing fitness certificates for the buses.
De Sa said that the Section 41(b) of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 also mandates accessibility for persons with disability and the elderly.
He said that the association has written letter to Director of Transport warning him of legal action “if any bus is issued fitness certificate in violation of the amended Act.”
De Sa said that the State government should implement the amended Act with immediate effect.
Pointing out that state run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited is all set to introduce 100 electric buses, he said that these buses should be made accessible to the persons with disabilities too.
