Accessible India Campaign

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) logo

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is a nationwide initiative launched by the Government of India to make public spaces, transportation systems, and information and communication technology accessible to persons with disabilities. The campaign aims to create an inclusive society by ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Accessible India Campaign are:

• To enhance the accessibility of built environments, including government buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems.
• To improve the accessibility of information and communication technology, including websites, mobile applications, and other digital platforms.
• To raise awareness about the rights and needs of persons with disabilities and promote an inclusive society.

Components

The Accessible India Campaign consists of three main components:

Built Environment Accessibility

This component focuses on making government buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems accessible to persons with disabilities. Key activities include:

• Conducting accessibility audits of government buildings and public spaces.
• Implementing necessary modifications to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Promoting the use of universal design principles in the construction of new buildings and infrastructure.

Transportation System Accessibility

This component aims to make transportation systems, including buses, trains, and airports, accessible to persons with disabilities. Key activities include:

• Conducting accessibility audits of transportation systems.
• Implementing necessary modifications to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Promoting the use of accessible vehicles and infrastructure.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility

This component focuses on making digital platforms, including websites and mobile applications, accessible to persons with disabilities. Key activities include:

• Conducting accessibility audits of government websites and mobile applications.
• Implementing necessary modifications to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Promoting the use of accessible ICT tools and technologies.

Implementation

The Accessible India Campaign is implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The campaign involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and civil society groups.

Achievements

Since its launch, the Accessible India Campaign has made significant progress in improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. Key achievements include:

• Conducting accessibility audits of numerous government buildings and public spaces.
• Implementing accessibility modifications in various transportation systems.
• Enhancing the accessibility of government websites and mobile applications.

Challenges

Despite the progress made, the Accessible India Campaign faces several challenges, including:

• Limited awareness and understanding of accessibility issues among stakeholders.
• Insufficient funding and resources for implementing accessibility modifications.
• Lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

Future Plans

The Accessible India Campaign aims to continue its efforts to create an inclusive society by:

• Expanding the scope of accessibility audits to cover more buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems.
• Enhancing the accessibility of digital platforms and ICT tools.
• Promoting awareness and understanding of accessibility issues among stakeholders.

See also

• Disability rights movement
• Universal design
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities