Rajasthan Roadways RTI Disability Facilities Udaipur

14Apr

Dr. Arvinder Singh Raises Serious Concerns on Accessibility and Rights

A concerning issue has emerged regarding the accessibility and facilities provided to persons with disabilities by the Udaipur depot of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). The matter came to light after multiple Right to Information (RTI) applications were reportedly ignored, raising questions about transparency and administrative accountability. This issue is now gaining attention under the topic of Rajasthan Roadways RTI disability facilities Udaipur.

Dr. Arvinder Singh, CEO of Arth Diagnostics and a three-time world record holder, who also serves as the President of Panacea Disability Rights Activists, filed 11 RTI applications seeking detailed information about facilities available for persons with disabilities across bus stands, buses, and depots in Udaipur.

RTI Applications Dismissed as “Administrative Burden”

Instead of providing the requested information, officials from the Udaipur Roadways depot reportedly declined to respond. The Public Information Officer, under the office of the Chief Manager, cited a Supreme Court judgment and termed the RTI requests as “impractical,” claiming they hinder administrative work.

This response has sparked criticism, as RTI is a legal tool meant to ensure transparency and accountability in public services.

Key Information Requested in RTI

The RTI applications focused on essential accessibility features, including:

Availability of wheelchair ramps
Accessible toilets at bus stands
Dedicated helpline services
Separate queues for persons with disabilities
Presence of trained staff for assistance
Accessibility provisions in buses and depots

These are basic requirements under disability rights laws, yet their implementation remains questionable.

Violation of Disability Rights Act, 2016

Reacting strongly to the response, Dr. Arvinder Singh stated that such an attitude is not only against the spirit of the RTI Act but also undermines the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

He emphasized that the law mandates equal access and dignity for persons with disabilities, and failure to provide information reflects poor governance.

“We Demand Rights, Not Sympathy”

Dr. Singh highlighted that the mission of Panacea Disability Rights Activists is to ensure full implementation of disability rights across the state.

“We do not seek sympathy. We demand our constitutional rights,” he said.

He further urged authorities to:

Make all bus stands and buses fully accessible
Ensure strict compliance with disability laws
Hold responsible officials accountable
Recognize accessibility as a right, not charity

Ground Reality: Lack of Facilities

According to Dr. Arvinder Singh, most roadways depots still lack effective accessibility infrastructure. This results in daily hardships for persons with disabilities, affecting their mobility, independence, and dignity.

The RTI applications were filed to highlight these challenges and push for systemic improvements. The ongoing Rajasthan Roadways RTI disability facilities Udaipur issue clearly reflects the gap between policy and ground-level implementation.

Call for Government Action

The issue raises serious concerns about governance and inclusivity in public transport services. Experts believe that the government must intervene to:

Ensure transparency in RTI responses
Improve infrastructure for accessibility
Implement disability laws effectively

This case serves as a reminder that accessibility is not optional—it is a legal and constitutional responsibility.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Udaipur Roadways depot reflects a larger issue of neglect towards disability rights. As voices like Dr. Arvinder Singh continue to advocate for change, it remains to be seen how authorities respond to ensure justice, transparency, and inclusivity.