The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Waikhom Birahari, has initiated Suo Motu Case No. 7 of 2025 concerning the lack of accessibility in banking services across Manipur.
Exercising statutory powers under Section 82 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Commission has directed all banks operating in the state to comply with accessibility norms laid down by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
The Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for banks to make both physical infrastructure and digital banking platforms fully accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs) without further delay. In branches where physical accessibility remains limited, especially where services are located on upper floors or areas without proper access, banks must designate responsible officials to assist PwDs. This includes providing accessible spaces within premises, supported by the necessary infrastructure and staff.
Furthermore, the directive also covers senior citizens who may face difficulties in accessing banking services. Persons with disabilities or senior citizens experiencing inaccessibility or non-compliance at any bank branch are encouraged to lodge their grievances with the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, located at Imphal.
