Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a stark revelation of systemic neglect and discrimination, the Disability Rights Association of Goa has lodged a formal complaint against the Bank of Maharashtra’s Bambolim Branch and the Reserve Bank of India’s Panjim Branch.
The complaint, submitted on February 10, 2025, alleges blatant violations of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, highlighting the lack of accessibility and discriminatory practices faced by persons with disabilities.
The Disability Rights Association of Goa, an organization dedicated to mainstreaming people with disabilities for the past 21 years, has brought to light the inaccessible infrastructure at the Bank of Maharashtra’s Bambolim Branch. According to the complaint, the branch’s ramp is hazardous and does not adhere to the standards set by Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016. This non-compliance not only endangers the lives of individuals with disabilities but also violates the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity enshrined in the Act.
The complaint further criticizes a recent notice by the bank offering doorstep service to senior citizens and persons with disabilities, which the association views as an insult. “This is an insult to persons with disability as it is against the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity to persons with disability,” stated Avelino de Sa, President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa.
The association has requested the Executive Magistrate under Section 7 of the RPWD Act 2016 to direct the police to file a complaint against the Manager of Bank of Maharashtra’s Bambolim Branch and the Regional Manager of Bank of Maharashtra Panjim under Sections 7 and 92 of the Act. The complaint also seeks to include the Regional Director of the Reserve Bank of India Panjim as a party, given the RBI’s inaction on the matter despite previous appeals.
The issue underscores a broader problem of accessibility and inclusion in India. Despite progressive legislation like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and initiatives such as the Accessible India Campaign, many public spaces, including financial institutions, remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities. This not only hampers their ability to participate fully in society but also perpetuates discrimination and inequality.
The Economic Survey 2023 highlighted that India loses approximately Rs 4.5 lakh crore annually due to the exclusion of disabled people from various spheres of society, emphasizing the economic as well as social impact of such exclusion.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Bank of Maharashtra or the Reserve Bank of India regarding the complaint. The Disability Rights Association of Goa is awaiting action from the authorities and is prepared to pursue further legal and advocacy measures to ensure compliance with the RPWD Act 2016.
