The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) on December 22, 2025, issued the Draft Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules on Non-Negotiable Accessibility Standards in Buildings and Built Environment, 2025, further to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The draft introduces non-negotiable accessibility standards for buildings and the built environment, making compliance mandatory from the date of notification. These standards are aligned with the National Building Code (NBC) and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes and apply to all public buildings, facilities, services, and passenger infrastructure, whether government-owned or private
• The amendments require that building permissions and completion/occupation certificates be issued only after accessibility compliance and audit, with representation of persons with disabilities and experts. Non-compliance can result in the refusal of approvals, denial of occupancy certificates, and penalties under the Act.
• Further, authorities and establishments must disclose accessibility features publicly, designate responsible officers within three months, and the Central Government will review and update these standards every three years to ensure continued relevance and enforcement
• Objections and suggestions, if any, may be addressed to Shri Ram Charan Meena Under Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Room No 11 A, 5th Floor, Pandit Deen Dayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110003 or by email at [email protected], by January 22, 2026.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 913(E)]
