Amaravati, December 05, 2025: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari unveiled the Purple Building Certification Scheme on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a voluntary national program designed by Andhra Pradesh's Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) to rate and promote accessibility in public and private buildings.
The framework, developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Institute of Driving Ability (IDEA), integrates universal design principles to benefit persons with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, and those with mobility or sensory challenges, covering schools, hospitals, transport hubs, commercial spaces, recreational facilities, and residences.
"Mandatory provisions will help ensure compliance and empower people with disabilities," Gadkari said, commending AMTZ for pioneering affordable medical tech standards and urging NITI Aayog to draft a proposal while the Social Justice Ministry prepares a Bill.
The scheme, aligned with International Accreditation Forum norms, involves expert committees backed by ICMR and training for auditors and certification bodies through AMTZ and the Quality Council of India (QCI).
NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Paul advocated for government adoption in its buildings to set an example, while Dr. Mallika Nadda, president of Special Olympics Bharat, stressed accessible infrastructure for events like the 2026 Asian Para Games. Officials from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities highlighted shared ministerial responsibility for implementation.
