Plans for inclusive, accessible bldgs in AP
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Visakhapatnam: In a landmark step toward transforming India's built environment into inclusive and accessible spaces for all, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is hosting a high-level national consultation to develop the country's first purple building certification scheme — a dedicated accessibility rating system for buildings.
On June 11–12, more than 50 leading national experts in accessibility, disability rights, architecture, and urban planning with get together at the AMTZ campus in Visakhapatnam to deliberate and finalise the framework. The certification is aimed at ensuring that public and private buildings across India are designed and operated in ways that are truly accessible for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women, and all users with mobility and sensory needs.
The purple building certification scheme is being designed as a structured, scalable tool that will assess buildings based on universal design principles. It will include detailed checklists, tiered ratings (basic to excellence), and measurable benchmarks covering entrances, ramps, signage, washrooms, elevators, pathways, and digital accessibility.
"Accessibility should not be seen as an exception, but as the foundation of every building in a truly inclusive nation.
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With the purple building certification, AMTZ is proud to lead a national movement that redefines how India builds—ensuring dignity, safety, and equal access for all including Divyangjans," shared Dr Jitendra Sharma, MD & founder CEO of AMTZ.
It may be noted that in the two-day meeting, three expert committees come together to build a national standard for accessibility. Once adopted, purple certification will serve as a voluntary yet widely recognised benchmark for schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, corporate offices, and even housing societies. AMTZ's role goes beyond certification. It is already a national partner in the ongoing Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan, which is a people-led campaign spearheaded by Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneurs Association (IDEA) and now supported by Delhi govt.
The scheme is envisioned as a core tool within that campaign to institutionalise accessibility across public spaces.
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