LUCKNOW, Aug. 28 -- Nearly eight years after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandated accessibility in all public buildings, only 27% of government buildings in Uttar Pradesh have been made compliant for Divyangjans. According to figures compiled by the state, of 70,762 buildings across departments, just 18,835 meet accessibility norms, while 51,927 remain non-compliant. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, made it compulsory for all new government buildings to be built according to accessibility norms, while existing public buildings were to be adapted within five years of the notification of its rules in June 2017. The original deadline lapsed in June 2022. The Centre has since allowed case-by-case extensions, most recently in May 2025, but large gaps in compliance persist. As per the last census, UP is home to nearly 40 lakh disabled people, with over 11.50 lakh of them being registered with the government as pensioners. Principal secretary, UP government, Subhash Chandra Sharma, in a directive issued on August 6, reminded officials that no new government building can be approved for construction or use unless it meets accessibility standards. Departments have been asked to treat accessibility as a priority issue, ensure compliance in all future construction, and submit updated reports without delay. A list of department-wise progress was also attached to his letter. A department-wise review highlights uneven progress. The Panchayati Raj department, which manages the largest share of buildings, has made 13,159 of its 57,736 buildings accessible. The secondary education department has completed work on 1,783 out of 6,598 buildings. The public works department has converted 455 buildings, leaving 36 pending. The urban development department has fared better in relative terms, with 664 of its 762 buildings made compliant. However, several key departments, including agriculture and agriculture marketing, UP reorganisation and coordination, national integration, and even the chief minister's office, have not reported any compliance. Experts say that the figures point to a gap between law and practice. "The legal mandate is clear, and guidelines are in place, but departments continue to drag their feet. Accessibility is not just a legal obligation, it is a matter of dignity and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities," a senior officer from the divyangjan empowered department said. The 2021 Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility lay down detailed specifications for ramps, lifts, toilets, signage, and other facilities. "Unless accountability is fixed, the state's goal of barrier-free public infrastructure will remain out of reach," the officer added....