Ability Forum

[Sachin]

A ramp too dangerous Bank makes a stoop mistake
Jaya Shroff

New Delhi

MOST MODERN banks claim to be consumer-friendly Unfortunately, that doesn't include the wheelchairbound disabled. Most of these banks that sprung up after the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act came into force in 1995 remain completely inaccessible to wheelchair users. Hindustan Times has reported extensively on this problem, the last instance being May 9 (Living with Disability). Mr Javed Abidi, a social activist and a wheelchair user himself, forwarded the published report to officials at Standard Chartered Bank in Mumbai, requesting them to make the bank accessible. "As a consumer, it is my right to be able to access banking facilities," said Abidi.

On his complaint, a temporary ramp was constructed at Standard Chartered Bank, South Extension branch. This construction was the beginning of a series of ramps at all 20 branches of the bank in the city, and then across the country That's where things got worse. The ramp was too steep and evidently dangerous. About four people were required to help Mr Abidi go up the ramp. "This is definitely not the ultimate solution. We are working on a more concrete resolution to the problem but I do not know much time it wil1take," said Vikrant Singh, branch manager, Standard Chartered. "I realize that some technical inputs are required and I am sure we can work out a right elevation," he added. He explained, "The banking premises are under review and there will be no laxity on our part in the newer and concrete ramps." Jaydeep Gupta, the bank's general manager for HR wrote to Mr Abidi, "Many of our premises are rented and our ability to make changes are limited either because of its location or due to dependency on others."

jaya.shroff@hindustantimes.com

Source:http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=16_05_2007_006_002&typ=1&pub=47

_________________
Cheers !

Sachin

A ramp too dangerous Bank makes a stoop mistake
Jaya Shroff

New Delhi

MOST MODERN banks claim to be consumer-friendly Unfortunately, that doesn't include the wheelchairbound disabled. Most of these banks that sprung up after the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act came into force in 1995 remain completely inaccessible to wheelchair users. Hindustan Times has reported extensively on this problem, the last instance being May 9 (Living with Disability). Mr Javed Abidi, a social activist and a wheelchair user himself, forwarded the published report to officials at Standard Chartered Bank in Mumbai, requesting them to make the bank accessible. "As a consumer, it is my right to be able to access banking facilities," said Abidi.

On his complaint, a temporary ramp was constructed at Standard Chartered Bank, South Extension branch. This construction was the beginning of a series of ramps at all 20 branches of the bank in the city, and then across the country That's where things got worse. The ramp was too steep and evidently dangerous. About four people were required to help Mr Abidi go up the ramp. "This is definitely not the ultimate solution. We are working on a more concrete resolution to the problem but I do not know much time it wil1take," said Vikrant Singh, branch manager, Standard Chartered. "I realize that some technical inputs are required and I am sure we can work out a right elevation," he added. He explained, "The banking premises are under review and there will be no laxity on our part in the newer and concrete ramps." Jaydeep Gupta, the bank's general manager for HR wrote to Mr Abidi, "Many of our premises are rented and our ability to make changes are limited either because of its location or due to dependency on others."

jaya.shroff@hindustantimes.com

Source:http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=16_05_2007_006_002&typ=1&pub=47

_________________
Cheers !

Sachin

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