Chennai Gig Workers Lounge: No Access For Wheelchair Users
Greater Chennai Corporation has set up lounges with air conditioning, power outlets and toilets in Anna Nagar and T Nagar for gig workers to relax between orders, but the spaces remain inaccessible to people with disabilities (PwDs).
READ ALSO:
Just 7% of gig workers signed up for welfare schemes
K Sasikumar, a food delivery partner, says being on the road all day on his battery-powered wheelchair is physically exhausting as his app algorithm forces him to travel to faraway locations. 'Since I take my wheelchair to faraway locations, using the wheelchair on these roads induces severe body pain. I tried using the lounge once, but there is no way to access it as it's on a pavement with no way to get on it with my wheelchair.
Also, the entrance has an extended door frame that hinders the path. It's nice the govt is coming up with such initiatives, but when they build such structures, they should keep us in mind,' he said.
You Can Also Check:
Chennai AQI
|
Weather in Chennai
|
Bank Holidays in Chennai
|
Public Holidays in Chennai
S Namburajan, vice-president of
Tamil Nadu
Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (Taratdac), said the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act), 2016 in India mandates accessibility across various sectors, including physical infrastructure, transportation, information and communication technology (ICT), and public services.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret | Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon
Paras The Florett
Book Now
Undo
The Act also states that the govt should ensure all public buildings and spaces that are already constructed be made accessible through modifications.
'Despite such an Act in place, policy makers continue to build places that are inaccessible. It needs to be strictly enforced during planning phase.'
While GCC plans similar lounges in Thiruvanmiyur, Villivakkam, Royapettah, Mylapore, and Nungambakkam, activists say small retrofittings can make a huge difference. Sathish Kumar, an activist, said a ramp should be made that connects the road to the entrance. 'There should be a charging space for wheelchairs and the width of the toilet door should be 3 feet. The toilet also should be accessible and be made spacious according to space available.
'
'We've taken note of the issue and are planning to install a temporary ramp as we work on constructing a permanent one,' said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What she ate, how she lived - How the Russian woman spent 8 years in a cave in a forest near a popular tourist place in Karnataka
In an astonishing revelation from the Ramatirtha forested region of Kumta taluk , in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, a 40-year-old Russian woman named Nina Kutina—also known locally as Mohi—was discovered living inside a secluded cave with her two daughters. As reported by Press Trust of India (PTI), Kutina originally entered India in 2016 on a business visa. Despite her visa having expired in 2017, she chose to remain in the country, drawn deeply to Hindu beliefs and Indian spiritual philosophies. After initially traveling through Goa, she found her spiritual sanctuary in Gokarna , a town along Karnataka's sacred coastline. Years Of Seclusion And Simplicity For the past two months, Kutina and her daughters were residing in a cave tucked within the lush Ramatirtha hills. However, authorities later uncovered that this episode was part of a broader, eight-year-long journey that had seen the family living off-grid across various parts of India. The trio had detached themselves entirely from modern amenities, with no access to electricity, mobile communication, or formal housing. The Indian Express highlighted that the cave served as their multipurpose space—functioning as their home, classroom, temple, and kitchen. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MCA Cybersecurity Others healthcare Design Thinking Operations Management Finance PGDM others Degree MBA Data Analytics Data Science Digital Marketing Management Data Science Product Management Healthcare Project Management Technology Artificial Intelligence Leadership Public Policy CXO Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details A Lifestyle Shaped By Nature And Devotion Their days were spent immersed in nature's rhythm. According to accounts from PTI, the family followed a natural lifestyle—rising at dawn, swimming in rivers, preparing food on wood fires, and engaging in various creative and spiritual pursuits such as drawing, singing, and reading. The cave's interior was adorned with Russian-language books, religious idols, and images of Hindu gods. A small Rudra idol symbolized Kutina's spiritual focus, revealing the depth of her dedication to Hindu practices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo In an interview with ANI , Mohi revealed her daughters bathed in waterfalls and learned to make art from clay. During their time outdoors, they encountered wildlife, including snakes, but remarkably, no harm came to them. Kutina noted during her conversation with police officials that even wild creatures coexisted peacefully with them in the jungle. A Mother's Structured Routine for Her Daughters Gokarna Sub Inspector Sridhar S R, who was part of the patrol team that eventually located the family, informed The Indian Express that Kutina had preserved a well-organized routine for her daughters. Activities included yoga, mantra chanting, singing, and drawing—designed to instill discipline and cultural learning. Even on the Sunday when she was found, Kutina was seen guiding her daughters through yoga exercises. Survival Without Modern Comforts Despite the lack of electricity and infrastructure, the family adapted with remarkable resilience. As Times of India reported, Kutina prepared daily meals, educated her children using oral traditions, and measured time using natural light rather than clocks. Her children, unfamiliar with modern beds, slept on plastic sheets laid out on the cave floor. During the monsoon, they wore minimal clothing and relied on stored candles, which were rarely used. Groceries, Instant Noodles, and Monsoon Preparedness Superintendent of Police M Narayana of Uttara Kannada district confirmed to Hindustan Times that Kutina had taken proactive steps to stock up on essential food supplies, particularly instant noodles, in anticipation of the monsoon season. He expressed amazement at their ability to endure the forest's harsh living conditions, emphasizing that the family had been fortunate to escape harm during their time in isolation. This rediscovered life of Nina Kutina and her daughters, far removed from civilization, offers a rare glimpse into an extraordinary commitment to spiritual exploration and minimalist survival.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kanwar Yatra: Ghaziabad shuts schools, educational institutions till July 23; teachers, parents fume
GHAZIABAD: The district administration on Wednesday ordered all schools and educational institutions to remain closed from Thursday till July 23 due to the ongoing kanwar yatra – a decision that has sparked criticism from teachers and parents who argue that suspension of classes for a week disrupts studies. The order, issued by the basic education department after directions from the district magistrate, said the decision to close schools was taken "keeping in mind, the movement and safety of children" at a time when a large number of devotees will be crossing the district to reach Haridwar. The closure, it said, applies to all primary, upper primary, secondary, CBSE, ICSE, technical, higher education, madrasa, and Sanskrit board institutions, across all classes. On Wednesday, some private schools announced that they will resort to conducting online classes for a week. "We have already prepared an online schedule for classes and it will be rolled out immediately. Classes must not be hampered for such causes. Schools already get few working days throughout the year because of pollution break, summer break, winter break and other reasons," said Seema Jerath, principal at DLF Public School in Ghaziabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Others raised concerns about completing the course. "Why is this a priority at this hour? Compromising academics and closure of schools for a week only for religious rallies is not acceptable. Online classes are feasible for schools, where students come from well-off families. However, there are students who belong to EWS categories, and govt schools too. How can they conduct online classes," asked a principal of a private school in the city. Parents, too, criticised the move."There are so many working parents. If kids are left at home, it is a problem for them too. Moreover, students — especially those approaching board exams — will be most affected by such decisions. Online classes are not a solution for completing academic curriculum smoothly," said Vivek Tyagi, president of Ghaziabad Parents Association. The kanwar yatra will reach a peak on July 23, which will be observed as Sawan's Shivratri, and is expected to draw large crowds. Other than Ghaziabad, similar week-long school closures have been ordered in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts of UP. In Bareilly, schools remain closed on all four Mondays, and in Badaun, primary school classes are suspended every Saturday and Monday of the month of Sawan.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE's Zayed National Museum set for grand opening in December 2025
Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will open its doors in December 2025 in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum's collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations that speak to the rich heritage of the country, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today's expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [국가인증] 키성장 인증받은 '이 제품' 2개월치 무료증정 이벤트 곧 마감! 아이클타임 더 알아보기 Undo As the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, but through emotion, memory and vision. This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come.' The museum includes Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, uncovered by research teams across the United Arab Emirates over fifty years ago. Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding new light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur'an, one of Islamic art's finest manuscripts; and a recreation of an ancient Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum's first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum's design embodies the heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The five steel structures which rise above the museum are inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight, with falconry a practice that is an integral part of Emirati culture. The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes, and pioneering research, it will bring global perspectives into dialogue with the UAE's heritage and contemporary identity.
