Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:   SUGAMYABHARAT 

Context:

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has revamped the Sugamya Bharat App (SBA) to better support Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and elderly citizens.

About Sugamya Bharat App

It was launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

It is a crowdsourcing platform that empowers citizens to identify and flag barriers in public infrastructure, transportation, and information and communication technology (ICT) systems.

The app is a key component of the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan).

Recent Updates

• User-Friendly Interface => The app now has a more intuitive and easier-to-use interface.
• AI-Powered Chatbot => An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot provides real-time assistance to users.
• Government Schemes and Resources => The app integrates information on various government schemes and other valuable resources for persons with disabilities.
• Notifications and Circulars => Users receive notifications and circulars about new accessibility initiatives.
• Geo-tagged Photo Uploads => A key feature of the app is the ability for users to upload geo-tagged photos of inaccessible places, which helps authorities take prompt and targeted action.

About Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan  

The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, or the Accessible India Campaign, is a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to create a barrier-free and inclusive society for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).

It was launched by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2015, to ensure universal accessibility for all citizens.

Aligns with both domestic and international commitments

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 => This Act replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 and mandates equal opportunities and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities. The campaign is a crucial instrument for implementing the provisions of this Act.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) => India is a signatory to this convention since 2007. The campaign is in line with Article 9 of the UNCRPD, which calls for ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Core Objectives

Accessible Physical Environment => Making public buildings, such as government offices, hospitals, schools, and railway stations, accessible to everyone. This includes features like ramps, accessible toilets, and clear signage.

Accessible Transportation System => Make public transport, including buses, trains, and airplanes, accessible for persons with disabilities.

Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ecosystem => Making websites, mobile applications, and public documents accessible to all. This includes features like screen reader support and text-to-speech options.

Must Read Articles: 

Sugamya Bharat for Accessibility 

Source: 

PIB