Kohima: Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, issued an order on September 15 requiring all churches, temples, and mosques to guarantee accessibility for people with disabilities. The directive responds to reports from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment regarding discrimination against worshippers with locomotor disabilities.
These sites must act now. Religious institutions are required to install ramps, handrails, and step-free entry points immediately. Managers must also install accessible signage featuring Braille and tactile maps, alongside auditory systems for the visually impaired.
The mandate ensures reasonable accommodation during festivals and peak hours. No institution can deny entry or provide differential treatment to these individuals. Buchem stated, "Such practices, if occurring, violate provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016." This federal law protects citizens from degrading treatment and guarantees equal access.
Management committees and church associations must train staff on these legal obligations. Failure to comply brings consequences. Authorities will enforce Section 89 of the Act, which carries specific fines and potential legal action against non-compliant institutions.
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