Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Marks 9 Years of Accessibility

Why in the news?

The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan celebrates its ninth anniversary, highlighting significant strides in making India more inclusive through improvements in infrastructure, transport, digital platforms, and educational access for persons with disabilities.

Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Marks 9 Years of Accessibility

Introduction:

  • Launched in 2015 by the Prime Minister, the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) aims to create a fully accessible environment for persons with disabilities in India.
  • The campaign targets three key areas: built infrastructure, transport systems, and digital platforms.
  • It aligns with India’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and responds to gaps in previous accessibility efforts.
  • The initiative is now part of the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA).

Accessible India Campaign (AIC) Overview:

  • Launch: Launched on 3rd December 2015 by the Prime Minister of India on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Background: Replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aligned with UNCRPD.
  • Components of AIC:
  • Built Environment Accessibility
  • Transportation System Accessibility
  • Information and Communication Ecosystem Accessibility
  • Monitoring and Initiatives:
  • Monitoring: Managed via a Management Information System (MIS) portal.
  • Sugamya Bharat App: Crowdsources accessibility grievances and generates awareness.
  • Recent Initiatives:
  • India: Unique Disability Identification Portal, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities.
  • Global: International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times