After a Mumbai woman who is in a wheelchair complained of non-cooperation by the officials on her wedding day, the officer in question has been suspended. Allegedly, he refused to come downstairs even after being informed of her condition.
Suspension In Place
As reported by NDTV, the official responsible, Arun Ghodekar, for overseeing marriages has been suspended after the wheelchair-bound, Virali Modi was compelled to ascend to the second-floor office of a marriage registrar in Khar, Mumbai, on her wedding day to complete the necessary procedures.
The Maharashtra Revenue Department took action on October 25 by releasing a government resolution (GR) announcing the suspension of the officer.
Bride's Ordeal
Modi took to X, formerly Twitter to express her discontentment. Her post read, "Being a person with a disability, I got married on October 16 at the Registrar's Office in Khar, Mumbai. The office was situated on the second floor and lacked an elevator."
"They did not come down for the signatures, so I had to be physically lifted and carried up two flights of stairs in order to complete the marriage ceremony."
Further sharing her plight, she wrote, "The staircase was exceedingly steep, and the handrails were in a state of disrepair with rust. There was a complete lack of assistance or any effort to make accommodations, even though I had informed my agent about my disability prior to the appointment."
Modi proceeded to convey her dissatisfaction with the government's failure to provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities in public areas and governmental offices. She advocated for the creation of more inclusive and disability-friendly environments and implored the government to initiate the required measures.
She wrote, "I'm deeply disheartened that my own country's government and its citizens couldn't provide for my disability. My faith in humanity has been shattered by this experience. I'm not an object that needs to be carried up two flights of stairs; I am a human being, and my rights hold significance."
Requesting the government to make space for people like her, she wrote, "My country should be able to accommodate the needs of individuals like me and the millions of disabled citizens. This situation is profoundly unjust, unforeseen, and unacceptable."
"My rights are significant! This was a government facility, and those responsible for running the country should set an example."
After the distressing incident in Mumbai where the marriage registrar's office spoiled a wheelchair-bound woman's wedding day when she was carried to the second floor after the officials refused to come downstairs even after being informed of her condition, another such woman took to Twitter to narrate her story.
Twitter user wheelchair-bound Mrunmaiy shared how she is struggling to find an 'accessible' apartment in Bengaluru as owners and brokers think the little things that are a big inconvenience are counted in providing accessibility.
Mrunmaiy's Story
Bengaluru-based Mrunmaiy was put in a situation to find the apartments a few weeks ago after she was asked to vacate her current place which was easily accessible to her and made commuting from work to home a lot easier as it was situated on campus with all facilities available.
She wrote, "But now, finding another wheelchair-accessible apartment and a house in the last few weeks has been a difficult journey. It's alarming to know that many brokers and homeowners think that a couple of steps can be passed off as accessible."
Except for the entrances not being accessible without stairs, she also requires a bathroom with a 25-inches wide door as she explains how she needs to take a bath in the wheelchair.
Finishing her story and struggles of being a disabled person in the country, she wrote, "Sharing my experience here on X just to sensitise you all about the importance of accessibility, and challenges of living with a disability in India."
Time Authorities Take Notice?
In a country where diversity is celebrated and unity is a national motto, it's disheartening to witness instances that cast shadows on India's commitment to equality and inclusivity. Modi's story is nothing short of a wake-up call for our nation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the significant work that still lies ahead to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of their physical abilities.
Her ordeal caught the attention of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said that he would personally take cognisance and corrective and appropriate action.
The incident starkly illustrates the inadequacies and insensitivities within our public spaces and government offices. As pointed out by Modi, there was an absence of assistance or accommodation, despite her prior communication of her disability. This is more than just an inconvenience; it's a glaring violation of her fundamental rights.
The government's initiative to create a more inclusive and disability-friendly environment across the country seems to have faltered when confronted with the real-life experiences of individuals. Modi's experience echoes the collective frustration of countless disabled citizens who continue to face obstacles and challenges on a daily basis. Denying the basic right to access public spaces and government offices infringes on their dignity and independence.
The new bride has the right to feel disheartened and disappointed. Her loss of faith in humanity serves as a potent reminder that we must do better. We should view her experience not as a singular incident but as a catalyst for meaningful change. It's high time for our government to step up and lead by example.
Furthermore, we, as a society, need to shift our perspective from charity-based assistance to recognizing the inherent rights of every individual, regardless of their physical abilities. There is an urgency to redefine our priorities, allocate resources, and implement measures that guarantee a more inclusive and accessible India.
It's time to redouble our efforts in making India truly accessible for all its citizens. The onus lies on the government, society, and each one of us to ensure that no bride has to face such hardships again. It's our collective responsibility to build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate India.
Views expressed by the author are their own
Suggested Reading: How Kanchan Garg Makes A Difference In Lives Of People With Disabilities
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