Showing posts with label Subhash Chandra Vashishth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Subhash Chandra Vashishth. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Invitation to sign up for free virtual event "Network & Learn" organised by AbilityNet and BarrierBreak in association with IAAP on 15 Feb 2024 [prior registration required]

Dear Colleagues,

IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals), AbilityNet and BarrierBreak are continuing the popular ‘Network & Learn’ events in 2024. They're kicking off this year's popular Network and Learn session on 15th February at 6.30 pm IST.

Image of Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth in a white shirt, smiling.
Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth
The guest speaker for the session is Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director of Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment Foundation (CABE Foundation) and is an Accessibility, Universal Design & Diversity Inclusion Specialist, working on standards, capacity building, access audits & advocacy. As an Expert Member on the Bureau of Indian Standards Committee for National Building Code & Smart Cities, he has contributed to standards formulation incorporating universal accessibility. Read more about him here

He will be discussing why the IAAP CPABE is critical to implementing accessibility, his career progression within the accessibility space and how he thinks certification benefits professionals.

The events are especially for UK and India Chapter IAAP members, plus anyone considering becoming a member.

The virtual event is not only a networking session where members and potential members can share accessibility tips and expertise, but it also acts as an event to help build and strengthen our community for accessibility professionals.

Network & Learn is organized by BarrierBreak and AbilityNet in association with IAAP with the aim to build a community around accessibility professionals. The session will be hosted by Ms. Shilpi Kapoor, IAAP, India Chapter Leader and founder of BarrierBreak and Mr. Mark Walker - Head of Marketing & Portfolio of AbilityNet will be hosting the networking.

There is no fee to join the event, however, registration/Signing up is mandatory. For more information on IAAP, please visit: https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/

Summary:

Event Name:  Network & Learn

Hosted by: Ms. Shilpi Kapoor and Mr. Mark Walker

Guest on the Event: Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, CPABE Level III Expert and Country Advisor India- G3ict 

Mode, Date and Time: Virtual Event, 15 Feb 2024, 6.30 PM- 7.30 PM, Indian Standard Time

Fee :  No Fee but registration required.

How to register: Sign up here

Make sure to sign up to the event today!

Thursday, November 30, 2023

2nd Capsule course on NBC 2016 – Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment to held during 29-30 Nov 2023 at NITS Noida

Dear Ally enthusiasts,

After the well received first in-person two day capsule course on "National Building Code 2016 - Accessibility in Buildings & Built Environment" in July 2023 at National Institute of Training on Standardization (NITS) Noida, India,  there were a number of requests to hold it again. 

The 2nd of this series, this course was conducted during 29 - 30 November 2023 at NITS the state-of-the art training arm of Bureau of Indian Standard. The faculty included  Sh. Subhash Chandra Vashishth and Shri TD Dhariyal (CABE Foundation) and Smt. Madhurima Madhav (BIS).

Participants posing for a picture
The event saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse audience, including representatives from government agencies such as DDA, Bangalore Metro Rail, students of architecutre and design, practicing architects, Industry representatives, product manufacturers and Professors of Architecture of a private University among others. Together, we took a significant step towards creating a more inclusive society. 

The Capsule Course aimed to foster a better understanding of accessibility norms and guidelines outlined in the National Building Code. By promoting accessible designs and infrastructure, we are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of ability or age, can navigate our buildings and public spaces with ease and dignity. 

We once again extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bureau of Indian Standards for spearheading this crucial initiative, and to all the participants who made this event a grand success! Let's continue working together to build a world where everyone's needs are considered and valued.

Stay tuned for the call / invitation for the third course of the series in the month of Feb/March 2024 as we work together towards a more accessible and inclusive future for all! 

Tags:

#access2buildings #AccessibilityMatters #inclusivity #BIS #AccessibleIndiaCampaign #CABEFoundation #empowerment #SocialChange #InclusiveSociety #InclusivityMatters #BuildingForAll #AccessibilityInBuiltEnvironment #SocialImpact #TogetherWeCan






Friday, November 03, 2023

CABE Foundation collaborates with United Nations ESCAP to conduct a 2-day Training Program for Delhi Municipal Officers to Make Parks and Gardens Inclusive for All through Universal Design

Press Release

New Delhi, 03 Nov 2023 

In an initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all, a comprehensive training program for municipal officials titled "Making Parks and Gardens Inclusive for All through Universal Design" was held during 02-03 November 2023 in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The program was a collaborative effort between the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Delhi (SCPD), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), and the Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment Foundation (CABE Foundation). The UNESCAP and the CABE Foundation spearheaded and conducted the training program.

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director welcoming the participants in inaugural session.
Inaugural Session of the 2 day training. Seen on the dias, Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director CABE Foundation, speaking; and seated on dias (from left to right) Mr. TD Dhariyal, ED, CABE Foundation; Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Director of the Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, United Nations ESCAP ; Mr. Amit Kumr Sharma, Addl Commisioner (Horticulture)MCD; Air Cmde Ranjan Mukherjee, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Dr. Alok Singh, Director in Chief (Horticulture), MCD.

This training program was designed to address the pressing issue of accessibility in public spaces for diverse users particularly persons with disabilities, with a special focus on parks and gardens. The program itinerary included an array of sessions covering various aspects of inclusive park design and understanding the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. It also delved into international and national frameworks for disability inclusion.

Mr. TD Dhariyal, Executive Director, CABE Foundation speaking
Mr. TD Dhariyal speaking
Mr. TD Dhariyal, Executive Director of the CABE Foundation, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of making public spaces more inclusive and accessibility directly relates to ensuring dignity of an individual with disability.  He also stated that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 has clear mandate to ensure accessibility in public spaces and strict provisions for contravention.

Mr. Amit Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner (Horticulture), MCD, in his opening address exhorted the participants to be more empathetic to the needs of seniors, women, children and person with disabilities. 

Dr. Alok Singh from MCD speaking
Dr. Alok Singh speaking
Dr. Alok Kumar Singh Director in Chief, Horticulture in his address highlighted the MCD's commitment to the cause and to take forward the learnings from the program to make measurable changes on the ground to enhance accessibility and usability of their diverse parks. Mr. RK Singh and Mr. Ashish Priyadarshi, both Directors Horticulture were also pressent and played an important role in organsing the present training program.

SCPD Delhi Air Commodore Ranjan Mukherjee speaking
Air Cmde Ranjan Mukherjee addressing
Air Commodore Ranjan Mukherjee VSM (Retd), State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, GNCT of Delhi underscored the significance of diversity inclusion in built environment as disability could happen to anyone any time and our infrastructure needs to gear up to meet the needs of its users. He shared several of his case judgements on the subject.

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Director of the Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, United Nations ESCAP, provided international insights and perspectives particularly the compendium prepared by the UN ESCAP on the subject containing best practices from Asia and Pacific countries.  Ms. Li Stephanie Choo, Social Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP and Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director CABE Foundation conducted the technical training. The training was based on the ESCAP Quick Guide and Compendium on Designing and Retrofitting Inclusive Public Parks and the Indian standards on accessibility of built public spaces.   

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka from UN ESCAP speaking
Ms. Mikiko Tanaka delivering her address
Following the opening ceremony, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions, covering topics such as "Who are our users?" and "Technical features of inclusive park design." The first day classroom training followed with a site visit to Shaheedi Park at the ITO, a new park developed by the MCD, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. 

The participants divided in to six groups conducted access survey of the Shaheedi park. Each group had one wheelchair user and one person simulating vision impairment exploring the park infrastructure and facilities. The groups presented their findings and recommendations to enhance accessibility of Shaheedi Park during the training program. Many participants expressed that if they had such a session before, their parks would have been more inclusive today. 

Participants simulating disabilities at the Shaheedi Park.
Participants at the Shaheedi Park for site visit
Most of them were happy that such a session took place which widened their knowledge spectrum and made them empathise and think inclusive in their work. The program saw participation from Horticulture, Civil Engineering and Education departments of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Speaking on the side lines of the training program, Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director of the Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment Foundation said, “We wanted to develop empathy in the municipal officials about the needs of persons with disabilities and also equip them with the Universal Accessibility standards so that they are able to incorporate the inclusivity from the design stage itself. The simulation exercise helped them understand and empathize”.

Participants undertaking simulation exercises, walking  with white cane blindfolded
Participants undertaking simulation exercises.
This collaborative initiative reflects a commitment to creating an environment where public spaces are welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. By addressing the challenges of inclusivity, the program aimed to contribute to a more equitable society where all citizens can enjoy and benefit from public parks and gardens.

This partnership will see development of Shaheedi Park as a model accessible theme park in Delhi and also to ensure that new parks under conceptualisation or development are fully accessible to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, seniors, children, women alike. Sensory gardens, inclusive play spaces and inclusive facilities in the parks such as accessible toilets, enhanced accessibility of neighbourhood parks is also on the cards.

Training session in progress at the Sabhagaar
Fig. Training session in progresss in the Sabhagar 

For more information about the training program and its objectives and for media inquiries, please contact: Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director, Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment Foundation, info@cabefoundation.com.

Visit our Facebook Page for more pictures.


 

Tuesday, July 04, 2023

2-day in-person Capsule Course on "National Building Code 2016 - Accessibility in Buildings & Built Environment" held on 24-25 July 2023 at NITS Noida, India (with Post Event updates)

Dear A11y Enthusiasts,

Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards body of the country responsible for formulating Indian Standards in the various fields of science and engineering, has introduced CAPSULE COURSES on various standards/special publications of national importance.  These short training courses have been devised with the objective to train our aspiring professionals on the essence of various provisions covered in such standards/special publications for ensuring orderly development, accessibility, sustainability, health, safety and environment protection as well as to resolve their queries/concerns relating to the interpretation and implementation of provisions of these standards/special publications.  These Courses are also targeted to help professionals in acquiring state-of-the-art knowledge in that particular field which would boost their confidence and help them to deliver their services in a better and efficient manner.

One such course has been devised on National Building Code of India 2016 (NBC 2016), the model code which covers all aspects of planning, design, construction and operation and maintenance of buildings and is used by urban local bodies and various authorities involved in building regulation and building permission activities, in framing their regulations. The course on NBC 2016 has several modules covering various aspects covered in the Code such as:-

1. Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment;
2. Fire and Life Safety; 
3. Structural Design; 
4. Soil and Foundation Engineering;
5. Air Conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation; and
6. Plumbing Services. 

Government of India has launched Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) as a nation-wide Campaign for achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It has three important verticals, namely, the Built Environment, the Transportation Sector and the ICT Ecosystem.  An accessible building and built environment is one, where persons with disabilities face no barrier in entering a building and using all the facilities therein and encompasses steps and ramps, corridors, entry gates, emergency exits, parking as well as indoor and outdoor facilities including lighting, signages, alarm systems and toilets. An accessible physical environment not just benefits persons with disabilities, it benefits everyone including the elderly and the children.  Thus, for creating an inclusive environment, it is particularly important to take measures to eliminate obstacles and barriers to indoor and outdoor facilities including schools, medical facilities, and workplaces as well as all public spaces such as roads, footpaths, parks and gardens. 

Further, under Accessible India Campaign, a large number of public builidngs were / are being audited to convert them in to fully accessible buildings. Private sector builidngs coming within the definition of 'Public Buildings" as per the RPWD Act 2016 are also being audited and retrofitted by private establishments and Green projects are designed to be 'born accessible' ensuring full accessibility based on universal design from the planning stage itself.  

Capsule Course on NBC 2016 – Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment
In order to enable the professionals and officials involved in land development and building construction to contribute towards effectively meeting the targets of Accessible India Campaign and requirements laid down in Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, one of these modules of NBC 2016 has been designed to cover the subject of  'Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment' . 

The first two-day Capsule Course on National Building Code of India 2016 - Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment is scheduled to be held on 24-25 July 2023 at National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS), Noida, the state-of-the art training arm of BIS.  

CABE Foundation is happy to contribute to this capsule course along with senior faculty members from the BIS. You are invited to attend this Course scheduled to be held as per the details hereinbelow:

Who should attend?
Professionals and officials involved in land development and building construction whether in ULBs or Development Agencies or Private Players. All those concerned with city planning, building regulation, and planning, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and built assets and facilities.   The course will also benefit those interested in accessibilty in buildings and surveying the usability of the building for persons with disabilities and other diverse usergroups from the perspective of Universal Design or carrying out retrofitting in existing buildngs to make them accessible.  It will also help DEI professional, consultants to ensure that built environment meets the needs of diverse usergroups at the workplaces.

Course Schedule & Duration
The Course is of 2 days duration scheduled during 24 -25 July, 2023.

Venue:     National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS)
       A 20-21, Institutional Area, Sector 62, NOIDA-201301(UP), India 
                 Tel : +91-120-4670238, Email - nits@bis.gov.in

Course Fee :  INR 1,500/- only for the 2-day Course* (*Plus applicable GST). 

Hostel Facilities: The hostel facilities can be availed, if needed at NITS, Noida on chargeable basis which includes Breakfast & Dinner.

How to Apply?

1. Online Portal: Application has to be made through BIS Training Portal www.manakonline.in, as explained below, latest by 21 July 2023.:- 
    • VISIT the E-BIS Website: www.manakonline.in
    • CLICK on the "Training" Head
    • LOGIN by clicking on the blue "LOGIN" button on the top right corner
    • SIGNUP by clicking on "SIGNUP" on the Member Login Page if you are not a member otherwise "SIGN IN" using your credentials
    • FILL OUT all the fields and click on "REGISTER" and complete the registration process. 
    • CHOOSE the course you want to apply for, fill in the required information and "PAY" the requisite fee.
2. By Email: Alternatively, you can also E-mail the filled up application form to nits@bis.gov.in. latest by 21 July 2023:- (Download the application Form : Word File 38 KB)

Criteria for Selection and Batch Size
  • Selection on First come First serve basis subject to availability of seats
  • Batch size – 40 
Certification: Certificate of participation on completion of the course.

Faculty: 
  1. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director at CABE Foundation, Specialist- Accessibility, Universal Design & Diversity Inclusion, Accessibility Expert CPABE Level III (IAAP), Member of BIS Technical Committees- CED12, CED59, LITD35, SSD 09:03 etc. & Empaneled Access Audit Trainer (under Accessible India Campaign), Govt. of India, 
  2. Shri T.D. Dhariyal, Former Dy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of India and Former State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Delhi, Executive Director- CABE Foundation
  3. Ms. Madhurima Madhav, Scientist 'D' & Jt Director (Civil Engg.), Bureau of Indian Standards
Access the Course Brochure below

And the Training Program Module schedule here:



Post Event Updates:

The capsule course saw participation from diverse sectors ranging from private players, government departments, non-government organisation, practicing architects, builders and contractors undertaking accessibility related renovations and projects. CABE Foundation was happy to contribute to this important intiative and there are two more such events are planned which will be shared here a month before the courses.

Here is a tweet from the BIS on the capsule course:

Some pictures from the training:

Group picture of the participants with Faculty at the training
Picture 1. Group photo of the training participants

Mr. TD Dharyal, Executive Director, CABE Foundation taking a session
Picture 2. Sh. TD Dhariyal, Executive Director, CABE Foundation conducting a session


Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director, CABE Foundation conducting the training
Picture 3. Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director, taking sessions at the capsule course.


 

Saturday, January 21, 2023

IRDAI need to act to ensure an equal and non-discriminatory Health Insurance for Persons with Disabilities

    - Drafted by Ms. Anugya Srivastava & Edited by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth

Health insurance is the means to cover your medical expenses if you are at risk or injured. A comprehensive medical insurance covers the cost of hospitalisation, day-care procedures, medical care at home (domiciliary hospitalisation), and ambulance charges, amongst others. A health insurance plan helps you stay covered against various diseases. Additionally, it enables you to boost tax savings. Under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, one can claim tax benefits against their health insurance premium. Everyone can apply for insurance. So what is there for the disabled when it comes to insurance?

HDFC Insurance’s explanation below will give us a better idea about the deep routed phenomenon of discrimination being faced by persons with disabilities particularly those with congenital disabilities (those who were born with it):

Depending on whether the disability that a person is suffering from is congenital (i.e. by birth) or accidental, various health insurance providers offer healthcare coverage scopes. Generally speaking, if the disability is congenital i.e. in the event of a person being disabled from birth, the insurance providers do not offer any healthcare coverage. This means that persons who are suffering from congenital disabilities are not eligible for healthcare coverage in the general sense of the word. However, persons who have become disabled on account of an accidental occurrence are treated as regular customers when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan. Therefore, such persons who were not born with a disability but became disabled due to any accidental occurrence are equally eligible for healthcare coverage as is provided by the various insurance providers. There is a clear set of medical tests and documentation at the time of policy purchase, which must be duly followed and all the details pertaining to the disability must be divulged.”

 

What the Law says on Health Insurance for Persons with Disabilities

Article 25 of the United Nations Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India ratified in 2007, states as under:

(e) Prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health insurance, and life insurance where such insurance is permitted by national law, which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner”

 

Sections 3, 25 and 26 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016, have made it clear that a person with a disability cannot be discriminated against when accessing healthcare and its other aspects. According to Section 26 of the Act, “The appropriate Government shall, by notification, make insurance schemes for their employees with disabilities”. 

Health Insurance Schemes of Union Government, State Governments and Private Companies

Keeping in view the above provisions of the UNCRPD and RPWD Act, let us take a look at the health insurance Schemes of the Government:

Central Government:

    A. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the largest health insurance scheme in the world, which aims at providing health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to approximately 50 crore beneficiaries which make up the bottom 40% of the Indian population. The households included were based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas, respectively. It subsumed the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), launched in 2008.

The eligibility criteria of this scheme for the beneficiaries are divided into two categories: rural and urban:

a. For the rural beneficiaries, PM-JAY covers all such families who fall into at least one of the following deprivation criteria (D1 to D5 and D7) and automatic inclusion (living on alms, manual scavenger households, tribal group, legally released bonded labour) criteria:

       D1- Only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof
       D2- No adult member between ages 16 to 59
       D3- Households with no adult male member between ages 16 to 59
       D4- Disabled member and no non-disabled adult member
       D5- SC/ST households
       D7- Landless households deriving a significant part of their income from manual casual labour

b. For the urban beneficiaries, the workers who belong to the following 11 occupational categories are eligible for the scheme:

       Ragpicker
       Beggar
       Domestic worker
       Street vendor/ Cobbler/hawker / other service provider working on streets
  Construction worker/ Plumber/ Mason/ Labour/ Painter/ Welder/ Security guard/ Coolie and other head-load worker
       Sweeper/ Sanitation worker/ Mali
       Home-based worker/ Artisan/ Handicrafts worker/ Tailor
   Transport worker/ Driver/ Conductor/ Helper to drivers and conductors/ Cart puller/ Rickshaw puller
  Shop worker/ Assistant/ Peon in small establishment/ Helper/Delivery assistant / Attendant/  Waiter
       Electrician/ Mechanic/ Assembler/ Repair worker
       Washer-man/Chowkidar

Ayushman Bharat', has 17 packages for mental health disorders, which also includes psychoactive substance use and covers ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy), rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and most of the blood tests.  But Ayushman Bharat, does not cover HIV as of today, though there are discussions to include this condition.  The main limitation of this scheme is that despite its goal of providing health insurance to the poor and vulnerable beneficiaries, the eligibility criteria for the urban beneficiaries exclude disabled professionals who are from vulnerable families living in urban areas.

          B. Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme

This Health Insurance Scheme' by the National Trust covers conditions arising from disabilities, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and multiple disabilities. The scheme envisages delivering comprehensive cover, which will have a single premium across the age band covering people with disabilities with up to ₹1 lakh for medical treatments under the National Trust Act on a reimbursement basis. It does not require pre-insurance tests, but individuals must enroll with the National Trust and have a valid disability certificate to avail of this policy. Treatment can be taken from any hospital.

          C. Swavalamban Health Insurance

Swavalamban has been designed to deliver comprehensive cover to the beneficiary as well as his family (PwD, Spouse & up to two children), has a single premium across age bands and can be availed by PwDs aged between 18 years and 65 years with a family annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000 per annum. In order to enable and empower persons with disabilities (PwDs) to live as independently and with dignity as possible, health services and its access to persons with disabilities assume a very significant role. The objectives of the scheme are: 

  • To provide affordable Health Insurance to persons with Blindness, Low vision, Leprosy-cured, Hearing impairment, Locomotor Disability, Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness.
  • To improve the general health condition & quality of life of persons with disabilities.

          D. Employees’ State Insurance Scheme.

Primarily designed to help factory workers handle the expenses following accidents and occupational hazards, the Employees' State Insurance Scheme is available for the workers employed in various factories in India. Under Disablement benefits, the employers’ share of contribution in respect of such disabled employees is paid by the Central Government for initial three years. Permanently disabled persons working in factories and establishments covered under ESI Act and drawing wages up to ₹25,000/- per month are covered under the scheme.  

      State Governments

Although there is no specific scheme which gives health insurance or assistance to persons with disabilities, these are some of the following scheme(s) that give financial assistance to those people who are either injured or battling an illness/disease:

A. Delhi Arogya Kosh:

Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) is a scheme which provides financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 5 lakhs to needy eligible patients for treatment of any illness/disease in a Government Hospital and for any illness/treatment/intervention required by the patient undergoing treatment in a Government Hospital run by Delhi Government/Central Government/Local Bodies/Autonomous Hospital under State Government.

          Eligibility Criteria

      Patients with annual family income up to Rs 3 lacs are eligible.

    The patient should be a bona fide resident of Delhi for the last three years (prior to the date of submission of the application)

 The patient requiring treatment for any illness/ treatment/ intervention in a Government Hospital run by Delhi Govt. /Central Govt. /AIIMS /Autonomous Institutes of the State Govt. /Local Bodies.


B. Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (Tamil Nadu)

This Tamil Nadu Scheme provides quality health care to the eligible person through and empanelled government and private hospitals and to reduce the financial hardship to the enrolled families and move towards universal health coverage by effectively linking with public health system. The scheme seeks to provide cashless hospitalization specific ailments/procedures the scheme provides coverage upto ₹5,00,000/- per family, per year on a floater basis for the ailments and procedures covered under the scheme. 


C. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) (Maharashtra)

This flagship health insurance scheme of Maharashtra Govt. provides end to end cashless services for identified diseases through a network of service providers from Government and Private sector. Earlier was known as Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana (RGJAY) it was renamed as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) from 1st April 2017. it covers beneficiaries under three categories below:


Category A: Families holding Yellow ration card, Antyodaya Anna Yojana ration card (AAY), Annapurna ration card, Orange ration card (annual income up to INR 1 lakh) issued by Civil Supplies Department, Government of Maharashtra for 36 districts of Maharashtra.


Category B: White ration card holder farmer families from 14 agriculturally distressed districts of Maharashtra (Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Parbhani, Hingoli, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim, Yavatmal, and Wardha).


Category C:  

1. Children of Government Orphanages, Students of Government Ashram Shala, female inmates of Government Mahila Ashram & senior citizens of Government old age homes. 

2. Journalists & their dependent family members approved by DGIPR. 

3. Construction workers and their families having live registration with Maharashtra Building & other Construction worker Welfare Board.

    Health Insurance Plans by Insurance Companies

Most private insurance companies provide insurance cover to people with disabilities, but not all 21 types of disabilities given under the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 are covered by them. For instance- 

A. Star Health Insurance has only one disability specific insurance plan called “Star Special Care”, which covers people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the age bracket of 3 to 25 years.

B. HDFC’s health insurance plans only cover people with acquired disabilities i.e. those who became disabled due to an accident or illness and excludes persons with congenital disabilities i.e. those who are disabled since birth.

C. Tata AIG’s Corporate Health Insurance also covers permanant and partial disabilities due to accidents under their Group Personal Accident Plan. However, their Individual focused health insurance plan doesn’t cover people with disabilities.

Actual State of Health Insurance for the Disabled in India

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued an advisory in 2016 and it reiterated its advisory on 02 June 2020 to  provide equitable insurance covers to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, there has not been much change in the status quo and onground situation continues to be challenging.

Judicial Interventions in the matter of Health Insurance for the Disabled in India

From the above schemes of Central and State Governments and the private health insurance companies, one may feel that adequate coverage has been given to persons with disabilities. But is it really the case? Let’s take a look at the judicial interventions on various issues pertaining to health insurance of the people with disabilities.

A. In 2009, a public interest litigation was filed by an employee of postal department in the Delhi High Court, on the grounds that the postal life insurance was giving a cover of only ₹1 lakh to the persons with disabilities against ₹5 lakhs for the non-disabled employees. Further, an extra premium was being charged from the persons with disabilities. The Delhi High Court in a milestone judgement, directed the postal life insurance to provide equal insurance coverage and not charge extra premium from the employees with disabilities.

B In 2016, Jai Prakash Tayal, holding a Mediclaim policy had filed a suit against United India Insurance Company Ltd. seeking payment of ₹5 lakh spent on his treatment while the Insurance firm had denied Mediclaim saying “genetic disease is not payable as per policy genetic exclusion clauses". The Delhi High Court ordered the IRDAI to re-look at the Exclusionary clauses in insurance contracts and ensure that insurance companies do not reject claims on the basis of exclusions relating to genetic disorders. It also upheld the judgement of the Trial Court, which stated that a person, suffering from a genetic disorder, needs medical insurance as much as others. 

C. In the case of Saurabh Shukla, an investment professional who has tetraplegia and uses a wheelchair, applied for health insurance and was denied the same by companies Max Bupa Health Insurance Co. Ltd. and Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. on the grounds of his disability and other medical conditions being high risk. Mr. Shukla approached the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who then communicated this matter with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directing them to advise the insurance companies to initiate the policies for persons with disabilities. In response, the IRDAI stated that the mechanism to provide health insurance covering existing disability already exists, but they didn’t give a specific reply to Mr. Shukla. Aggrieved by the response of the Insurance Regulator, Mr. Shukla approached the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, to seek quashing of the rejection of his health insurance application by the insurance companies and he also sought the direction of the Court to the insurance companies to issue a health insurance policy to him. In its defence, IRDAI referred to Regulation 8 (c) of the IRDAI Regulations 2016, which clearly states that the denial of health insurance coverage shall be the last resort of the insurer.   

D. The Delhi High Court, in its judgement dated 13 December 2022, has categorically observed that the right to life includes the right to health. It has directed the insurance regulator to organise a meeting of all insurance companies to design health insurance schemes for people with disabilities and introduce them preferably within two months. The court also asked the IRDAI to immediately modify the terminology "substandard lives" in their regulations to ensure that such "unacceptable terminology" is not used while referring to persons with disabilities, and it also permitted Mr. Shukla to approach both the insurance companies once again, and the two companies shall consider his case for issuing a health insurance policy and the question of extending insurance to Mr. Shukla shall be reviewed. It also directed that the proposal shall be placed on record before the next hearing. The Court has also directed both IRDAI and the insurance companies to file a status report two weeks before the next date of hearing i.e. 17th March 2023.

What Needs To Be Done?

Mr. Thakur Dutt Dhariyal, who was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for Govt. of India till 2014 and has also served as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of NCT of Delhi for three years, praised the Delhi High Court judgement in Saurabh Shukla's case while also pointing out the need for an in-depth study and examination of the economic viability of providing health insurance to persons with disabilities. According to him, “It [Mr. Saurabh Shukla vs Max Bupa Insurance Co. Ltd. and Ors.] is a good judgement. It upheld the UNCRPD and RPWD Act regarding health insurance for people with disabilities. As far as health insurance premium is concerned, a greater and deeper study is needed to examine the economic viability of providing health insurance to people with disabilities. In cases where persons with disabilities require frequent hospitalisation, the insurance companies should have the evidence before denying their claim to the insurance.”  

It is hoped that on March 17, 2023, the date of next hearing of the High Court in this matter, IRDAI and the insurance companies would be able to submit a proposal of a health insurance policy for people with disabilities that doesn't discriminate on the basis of etiology of their disabilities i.e. whether acquired or congenital.

- The author is a student of Master of Social Work (Disability Studies & Action) at Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai and currently interning at CABE Foundation. The article has been edited by the leadership at CABE Foundation.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Invitation for a 2-Day National Workshop on National Building Code of India 2016: 20-21 Feb, 2018 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi

Banner depicting a road with background of buildings in an urban setting with text  "BIS in association with the Indian Buildings Congress New Delhi and CPWD, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is organising a 2-day workshop on National Building Code of India 2016 on 20-21 February 2018 at Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi

Dear Colleagues,



The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as part of its efforts towards ensuring safety and sustainability of buildings and built environment, has been continuously working towards formulation and revision of Indian Standards on diverse areas impacting quality and safety of construction.  In this direction, BIS has revised the National Building Code of India (2005 version) and notified the latest version National Building Code of India -2016

In order to disseminate information about the the Code, BIS jointly with the Indian Buildings Congress (IBC), New Delhi, and in association with Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is organizing a 2-day Workshop on "National Building Code of India 2016" on 20 & 21 February 2018 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, India. It may be noted that the speakers indicated in the workshop program below are Conveners/Expert members of the relevant chapters of the Code who have contributed in the revision of NBC. Session II is dedicated to the provisions on Accessibility covered in the National Building Code. 

A copy of the Invitation brochure published by Indian Buildings Congress can be accessed Here. 

2-day National Workshop on  National Building Code of India 2016 Tentative Program:

Tuesday, 20 February 2018
0900h – 1000h
Registration
1000h – 1100h
Inaugural Session
1100h – 1130h
High Tea
1130h – 1300h
Session I    Overview of NBC 2016 including Administration, Development  Control Rules & General Building Requirements
Chairman: Shri V. Suresh (Convener, Panel for Administration, Development Control & General Building Requirements of NBC 2016)
Speaker:      Shri Sanjay Pant (Head (Civil Engg), BIS)
1300h – 1400h
Lunch
1400h – 1445h
Session II    Provisions on Accessibility
Chairman:    Shri T. N. Gupta (Convener, Panel for Building Materials, of NBC 2016)
Speaker:      Shri Subhash Chandra Vashishth (Member, Panel for Administration,
                     Development Control & General Building Requirements of NBC 2016)
1445h – 1630h
Session III   Fire and Life Safety
Chairman:    Dr Anoop K Mittal (Sr Vice President, IBC & CMD, NBCC India Ltd.)
Speaker:      Shri S.K. Dheri (Convener, Panel for Fire Protection of NBC 2016)
                    Shri Gulshan Khurana (Member, Panel for Fire Protection of NBC 2016)
                    Shri Sandeep Goel (Member, Panel for Fire Protection of NBC 2016)
1630h – 1645h
Tea
1645h – 1730h
Session IV   Asset and Facility Management
Chairman:     Shri Deepak Narayan, Past President, IBC
Speaker:       Shri Krishna Kant (Convener, Panel for Asset & Facility Management
                      of NBC 2016)

Wednesday, 21 February 2018
1000h – 1130h
Session V    Structural Design Including Disaster Resistant Design of
                     Structures
Chairman:     Dr D. K. Paul (Chairman, Earthquake Engineering Committee of BIS)
Speaker:       Shri V.V. Arora (Convener, Panel for Masonry of NBC 2016)
1130h – 1200h
Tea
1200h – 1300h
Session VI   Prefabrication, Systems Building and Mixed/Composite
                     Construction  
Chairman:    Shri Rajesh Goel, CMD, Hindustan Prefab Limited, New Delhi
Speaker:      Shri M.P. Naidu (Convener, Panel for Prefabrication and Systems
                     Building of NBC 2016)
1300h – 1400h
Lunch
1400h – 1500h
Session VII  Construction Management, Practices and Safety
Chairman:     Shri H S Dogra (Chairman, CEDC, BIS)  
Speaker:       Shri Jose Kurian (Convener, Panel for Concrete of NBC 2016)  
1500h – 1545h
Session VIII Building Services - Electrical Installations
Chairman:    Dr. Prem C. Jain (Convener, Panel for Sustainability of NBC 2016) 
Speaker:      Smt Shruti Goel (Member, Panel for Electrical Installations, NBC2016)      
1545h – 1600h
Tea
1600h – 1645h
Session IX  Building Services - ICT in Buildings
Chairman:   Shri  Prabhakar Singh, Special DG, (DR.),CPWD
Speaker:     Shri AK Mittal,(Convener, Panel for ICT in Buildings of NBC 2016)       
1645h – 1745h









Panel Discussion cum Concluding Session
Chairman:       Shri K.B. Rajoria, Past President, IBC

     Panelists
Topic
Dr. Mahesh Kumar
Water
Shri Rajeev Goel
Aggregates
Dr. Vimal Kumar
Bricks
Shri J. Asudani
Sand
Shri H.K. Srivastava
Skill Development
Shri Rajesh Goel
Transportation
Shri Shishir Bansal 
Centering & Shuttering


1745h
High Tea

Registration
Please note that the registration shall be done on first come first serve basis and registration is mandatory for entry to the workshop. For further details, enquiry and registration, please contact :

Shri Pradeep Mittal 
Hony. Secretary
Indian Buildings Congress,
Sector-VI, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110022
Phone: 011-26170197, 26169531, Fax: 26196391
Mobile: 9811075333; 9311075333
Email: info@ibc.org.in, indianbldgscongress@gmail.com


About NBC
The National Building Code of India (NBC), a comprehensive building Code, is a national instrument providing guidelines for regulating the building construction activities across the country. It serves as a Model Code for adoption by all agencies involved in building construction works be they Public Works Departments, other government construction departments, local bodies or private construction agencies. The Code mainly contains administrative regulations, development control rules and general building requirements; fire safety requirements; stipulations regarding materials, structural design and construction (including safety); building and plumbing services; approach to sustainability; and asset and facility management.