Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-23122025-268757
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NEW DELHI, MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025/PAUSHA 1, 1947
No. 827]
[F. No.- I-15/8/2025-Legal]
MANMEET KAUR NANDA, Addl. Secy.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
[Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)]
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 12th December, 2025
G.S.R. 913(E). — The following draft of certain rules to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Rules, 2017, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1)
and (2) of section 100 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016), is hereby published as
required by sub-section (1) of the said section, for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby; and
notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after the expiry of a period of thirty
days from the date on which the copies of the Official Gazette in which this notification is published are made
available to the public;
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
rcmeena.79@gov.in.
The objections and suggestions, which may be received from any person with respect to the said draft rules
before the expiry of the period specified above, will be considered by the Central Government.
DRAFT RULES
1. Short title and Commencement— (1) These rules may be called the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(Amendment) Rules on Non-Negotiable Accessibility Standards in Buildings and Built Environment, 2025.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Insertion of sub-rule in Rule 15- In the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, after clause (p) of sub-
rule (1) of rule 15, the following clause shall be inserted, namely:
"(q) Non-negotiable Accessibility Standards for Building and Built Environment."
(A) Definitions— Unless the context otherwise requires— (a) expressions used and not defined herein but defined in
the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act; (b) "non-negotiable standards" mean
standards coming into effect from the date of notification of these rules, non-compliance with which shall be liable to
consequences as per the Act, including refusal of building permission or sanction, refusal of completion/occupation
certificate, and imposition of penalties; (c) "public building" and "public facilities and services" shall have the
meanings assigned to them in sections 2(w) and 2(x) of the Act; (d) "universal access" means unimpeded access for
people of all ages and abilities; (e) "universal design" means a design usable by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without the need for adaptation.
(B) General— (1) The non-negotiable accessibility standards specified in the Schedule are derived from, and shall be
read harmoniously with, the National Building Code of India (NBC) and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes as
revised from time to time. (2) Scope and applicability.—These standards apply to all buildings and built environment
referred to in sections 44, 45 and 46 of the Act, including temporary structures and publicly-used spaces within group
housing, whether owned or controlled by Central, State or local governments or private establishments, insofar as such
spaces are public buildings or provide public facilities and services. (3) Disclosure. Owners, operators and
regulators of public buildings shall disclose accessibility features on their websites and on site in accessible formats.
(4) Permission and completion. – Sanctioning authorities shall issue building permission, and completion/occupation
certificates, only upon compliance with these rules and after an accessibility audit by a competent authority with
representation of persons with disabilities and accessibility experts. (5) Enforcement timeline. – These standards take
immediate effect for projects where completion certificate has been issued or projects not yet occupied. (6)
Accountability. Within three months of notification, every responsible establishment shall designate officers and
processes to ensure compliance. (7) Periodic review. The Central Government shall review these standards every
three years to reflect updates to NBC/IRC and the Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal
Accessibility in India (2021).
3. Liability: All authorities competent to approve building plans, issue completion and occupation certificates, or
regulate/operate public buildings and facilities shall ensure compliance with these non-negotiable standards. Non-
compliance shall attract consequences under the Act and these Rules. The Schedule shall be updated, as necessary,
upon revision of NBC/IRC codes or the Harmonised Guidelines (MoHUA, 2021), through notification.
SCHEDULE
Part A: Buildings and Building Sites
(Key Accessibility Issues)
| Sl. No. | Non-Negotiable Standard | Primary References |
|-------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| A1 | Pedestrian access into site; hazard-free circulation; railings/bollards clear-width 900-1200 mm. | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.20); NBC B-2.6 |
| A2 | Designated accessible parking (cars & adapted two-wheelers) near main entrance; on-street controls. | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.16); IRC:103 (6.11); NBC B-3 |
| A3 | Continuous accessible path to entrance with kerb ramps, TGSIs (guiding & warning), no trip hazards. | NBC B-2.2 to B-2.6; NBC B-4; NBC B-5 |
| A4 | Appropriate external lighting for walkways and entrances. | NBC B-2.7 |
| A5 | Accessible external furniture (light poles, seating, bins, kiosks) positioned outside clear paths. | IRC:SP:117; IRC:103 |
| A6 | Accessible information and wayfinding at entrance in multiple formats. | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.21); NBC B-24 |
| A7 | Suitable drop-off (alighting) and pick-up point (boarding) near main entrance. | NBC B-4 |
| A8 | Reduced travel distances; logical placement of vertical circulation (ramps/lifts). | NBC B-5 |
| A9 | Level entrances/exits; level changes via ramps (≤1:15 where unavoidable), stairs, lifts, escalators, lifting platforms. | NBC B-6.2 to B-6.6 |
| A10 | Simple, logical and obvious layouts; multi-sensory wayfinding. | NBC B-24; NBC B-5 |
| A11 | Unobstructed level circulation; control of barriers and hazards. | NBC B-2.6 |
| A12 | Accessible information/reception counters and desks; seating at desks/tables. | NBC B-1.1.1.3; NBC B-8.3; NBC B-10 |
| A14 | Obvious and accessible means of egress; emergency evacuation. | NBC B-23; NBC Part 4 |
| A16 | Safe stairs with compliant geometry; tactile/visual cues; handrails both sides. | NBC B-6.3; NBC Part 4 (12.18) |
| A17 | Slip-resistant walking surfaces (IS 13801): min SCOF-dry 0.5; wet 0.6; steps/floors/lifts 0.6; ramps 0.8. measurable safety thresholds | NBC B-22; IS 13801 |
| A18 | Wide door openings and easy operation; compliant windows. | NBC B-5.3; NBC B-5.4 |
| A19 | Clearance around doors enabling wheelchair operation. | NBC B-5.3 |
| A20 | Adequate manoeuvring space at doors and circulation nodes. | NBC B-5.3 |
| A21 | Heights/location of controls and switches within reach ranges, operable without tight grasping. | NBC B-7 |
| A22 | Appropriate lighting (task-oriented and uniformity requirements). | NBC B-22 |
| A23 | Appropriate visual contrast of walls, floors, doors and signage. | NBC B-24.3 |
| A24 | Appropriate signage; consistent pictograms and placement. | NBC B-24 |
| A25 | Information via at least two senses (tactile, audible, visual). | NBC B-24; B-24.1.2; B-24.1.3 |
| A26 | Acoustic environment and hearing enhancement systems where required. | NBC B-21 |
| A27 | Drinking water facility reachable and usable by wheelchair users. | NBC B-7.11 |
| A28 | Handrails and grab bars—dimensions, placement and returns. | NBC B-5.5 |
| A29 | Security access systems inclusive of accessible interfaces. | NBC B-7.10 |
| A31 | Seating spaces with companion seating and wheelchair locations. | NBC B-8 |
| A32 | Toilet rooms and sanitary rooms, incl. all-gender accessible toilet on G/F and alternating RHS/LHS on upper floors. | NBC B-9 |
| A33 | Reception areas, counters, desks and ticket offices—reach, clear space and communication. | NBC B-10 |
| A34 | Cloakrooms with accessible counters and circulation. | NBC B-11 |
| A35 | Auditoriums, concert halls, sports arenas—accessible seating and viewing. | NBC B-12 |
| A36 | Conference and meeting rooms—clear floor space requirement and accessible routes. | NBC B-13 |
| A37 | Viewing spaces in assembly areas—line of sight from wheelchair positions. | NBC B-14 |
| A38 | Bars, pubs, restaurants—accessible routes, counters and seating. | NBC B-15 |
| A39 | Terraces, verandahs and balconies—edge protection and access. | NBC B-16 |
| A40 | Accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings. | NBC B-17 |
| A41 | Kitchen areas—reach ranges, clear spaces and controls. | NBC B-18 |
| A42 | Storage areas—shelves and lockers within reach ranges. | NBC B-19 |
| A43 | Accessible housing—dwelling-unit provisions. | NBC B-20 |
| A44 | Management and maintenance of the built environment. | NBC B-25 |
| A45 | Service-animal relief areas in airports, railway stations and malls. | Civil Aviation Accessibility Standards (para 18) |
| A46 | Changing Places (changing stations—dimensions and fixtures). | NBC Table 8; NBC B-9.14 |
| A47 | Emergency evacuation—areas of rescue assistance and procedures. | NBC B-23; NBC Part 4, Civil Aviation standards |
| A15 | [Reserved to maintain clause sequencing.] | |
SCHEDULE
Part B: Passenger Facilities (Bus Stops/Termini, Railway Stations incl. Platforms, Metro/BRT, Airports, Harbors and Jetties)
| Sl. No. | Non-Negotiable Standard | Primary References |
|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| B1 | Pedestrian access into site; railings and bollards positioned with wheelchair-admissible clear width. | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.20) |
| B2 | Designated accessible parking near main entrance; on-street provisions. | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.16); IRC:103 (6.11); NBC B-3 |
| B3 | Accessible path to entrance and ensure platform changes are accessible (kerb ramps, TGSIs, dropped kerbs; no obstacles). | NBC B-2.2 to B-2.6; NBC B-4; NBC B-5 |
| B4 | Appropriate external lighting for walkways. | NBC B-2.7 |
| B5 | Accessible external furniture (light poles, seats, bins, kiosks) out of clear routes. | IRC:SP:117; IRC:103 |
| B6 | Accessible information at site entrance (wayfinding and signage). | IRC:SP:117 (3.2.21) |
| B7 | Suitable drop-off and pick-up near main entrance. | NBC B-4 |
| B8 | Reduced travel distances (shortest accessible routes to gates/platforms). | NBC B-5 |
| B9 | Level entrances/exits; level changes via ramps, lifts, escalators, and lifting platforms; inter-platform transfer accessible. | NBC B-6.2 to B-6.6 |
| B10 | Simple and logical layouts. | NBC B-24; NBC B-5 |
| B11 | Unobstructed level circulation; barrier control. | NBC B-2.6 |
| B12 | Easy access to information desks and counters. | NBC B-1.1.1.3; NBC B-10 |
| B13 | Obvious and accessible means of egress; emergency evacuation. | NBC B-23 |
| B14 | Safe stairs with compliant geometry and cues for assisted evacuation. | NBC Part 4 (12.18); NBC B-6.3 |
| B15 | Slip-resistant walking surfaces. | NBC B-22; IS 13801 |
| B16 | Wide door openings and easy operation; compliant windows. | NBC B-5.3; NBC B-5.4 |
| B17 | Clearance around doors enabling wheelchair operation. | NBC B-5.3 |
| B18 | Adequate manoeuvring space. | NBC B-5.3 |
| B19 | Heights/location of controls and switches within reach ranges. | NBC B-7 |
| B20 | Appropriate lighting. | NBC B-22 |
| B21 | Appropriate visual contrast of walls, floors, doors and signage. | NBC B-24.3 |
| B22 | Appropriate signage. | NBC B-24 |
| B23 | Important information via at least two senses (tactile, audible, visual). | NBC B-24; B-24.1.2; B-24.1.3 |
| B24 | Acoustic environment; hearing enhancement systems where required. | NBC B-21 |
| B25 | Drinking water facility. | NBC B-7.11 |
| B26 | Handrails and grab bars. | NBC B-5.5 |
| B27 | Security access systems inclusive of accessible interfaces. | NBC B-7.10 |
| B28 | Seating spaces, including companion seating and wheelchair locations. | NBC B-8 |
| B29 | Toilet rooms and sanitary rooms, including changing station in accessible toilet. | NBC B-9 |
| B30 | Reception areas, counters, desks and ticket offices. | NBC B-10 |
| B31 | Cloakrooms. | NBC B-11 |
| B32 | Bars, pubs, restaurants, etc. (as applicable to facility). | NBC B-15 |
| B33 | Accessible bedrooms in non-domestic buildings (as applicable to facility). | NBC B-17 |
| B34 | Storage areas. | NBC B-19 |
| B35 | Management and maintenance of the built environment. | NBC B-25 |
| B36 | Service-animal relief area. | Civil Aviation Accessibility Standards (para 18) |
| B37 | Emergency evacuation. | NBC B-23; NBC Part 4 |
[F. No.- I-15/8/2025-Legal]
MANMEET KAUR NANDA, Addl. Secy.
Note: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part
II, section 3, sub-section (i) vide notification number G.S.R. 591 (E), dated the 15th June, 2017 and was last
amended vide G.S.R. 361(E), dated the 2nd July, 2024. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment)
Rules on Non-Negotiable Accessibility Standards in Buildings and Built Environment, 2025.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. GORAKHA NATH
YADAVA
Digitally signed by GORAKHA
NATH YADAVA
Date: 2025.12.23 15:43:53 +05'30'