India headed for Culture of ‘Divya Buildings’, thanks to

Nitin Gadkari launches World’s Largest Medtech Cluster’s ‘Purple Device’ for certifying Barrier Free Buildings

New Delhi: Acquiescing in a sober fact that International standards in whatever India manufactures or builds are a scarce commodity, Nitin Gadkari, in his trade mark ‘no holds barred’ appraisal of state of affairs, has advocated for world class standards for barrier free buildings in the country.

Applauding initiative of AMTZ (The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone) in building domain, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on December 3, Mr Gadkari hoped that the initiative will lead to the culture of factoring in accessibility quotient in construction of all buildings in times to come reciting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fond wish of free access of divinely abled persons to all, at least public buildings in India. Mr Gadkari hoped that AMTZ’s landmark ‘Purple Building Certification Scheme will go a long way in country’s much needed accessibility transition. Mr Gadkari, vouching for international standards of medical devices manufactured under the aegis of AMTZ, stressed the need for mandatory provisions for such paradigm shift in nature of buildings.

The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has developed this Scheme with inputs from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) – a national NGO working in the disability sector. Stressing the need for mandatory provisions to make India’s buildings and public spaces disabled friendly in the future, Nitin Gadkari suggested NITI Aayog to come out with a draft proposal for this and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment prepare a Bill to be cleared in the Parliament to make uniform accessibility a legal right.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our Prime Minister’s commitment to creating barrier-free public spaces. India needs to be at par with European and the US standards. Mandatory and legal provisions can only help accelerate compliance, encourage accountability, and empower millions of people with disabilities,” said Gadkari.

The Minister appreciated AMTZ and ICMR roles in developing the Purple Certification Scheme. He said, “AMTZ has enormously been contributing to develop global standards affordable medical devices.”

The new Purple Building Certification Programme that got Gadkari excited is a first-of-its-kind voluntary national system designed to evaluate, recognize, and promote accessibility standards across schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, residences, workplaces, transport hubs, sports facilities, and public spaces.

Earlier, describing the making of the Certification scheme, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, MD and Founder-CEO of AMTZ, said, “Accessibility should not be seen as an exception but as the foundation of every building in a truly inclusive nation. 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.”

“Aligned with International Accreditation Forum (IAF) in setting quality standards, AMTZ and Quality Council of India (QCI) with take this initiative forward by training and enrolling auditors and certification bodies across the country. have Three expert committees, with support from ICMR, have worked meticulously to construct a national standard for accessibility. Today, we present a framework that builders and real estate developers across India can adopt to bridge the gap between policy and real-world implementation,” he added.

The initiative aims to embed universal design principles into India’s fast-growing urban and semi-urban landscape, ensuring safety, independence, and equitable access for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with temporary or permanent mobility or sensory needs.

Addressing a gathering people including PwDs at Taj Mahal Hotel that went Purple in the evening to support the cause of inclusivity, Niti Aayog Member Dr. VK Paul, urged the Central Government to encourage the initiative by adopting the scheme in Government buildings first. Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat also emphasized that accessibility is a necessity. “India plans to host Commonwealth games, Olympics and paraolympics and we need our building accessible for all. The certification scheme is a leap forward to achieve the goal of accessibility revolution in the country,” she said.

Urging inclusivity in attitudes to achieve a truly accessible and inclusive India, Smt. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of PwDs said, “The department has collaborated extensively with stakeholders to define non-negotiable accessibility in standards in various sector. Accessibility is not just a departmental responsibility but a mandate for all government departments and levels.”

With the launch of India’s first Purple Building Certification Programme, AMTZ has set in motion a national blueprint for inclusive, accessible, and equitable infrastructure. The initiative brings together government bodies, architects, disability rights groups, real estate developers, and civil society stakeholders to advance India’s commitment toward universal accessibility.