In December 2022, the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) is set to celebrate its seven-year anniversary. Its primary goal is to create an environment that is free of barriers and conducive for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities – PwDs) throughout the country.
Overview of the Accessible India Campaign
The Accessible India Campaign was officially launched by the Prime Minister of India on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on December 3rd, every year. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has been tasked with implementing this nationwide campaign.
This initiative is not the first one of its kind. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, explicitly stipulated non-discrimination in transport and the built environment. However, to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), this Act was replaced by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
As a component of the UNCRPD, which India has signed, Article 9 imposes obligations on governments to ensure accessibility for PwDs in the following areas: information, transportation, physical environment, communication technology, services, and emergency services.
Key Components of the Accessible India Campaign
The campaign is divided into several crucial parts: accessibility in the built environment, the transportation system, information and communication ecosystem.
Performance of the Accessible India Campaign
Tangible progress has been made in making various public spaces more accessible. For instance, 1,630 government buildings now have accessibility features, based on audits conducted on 1,671 buildings.
In terms of transportation, 35 International Airports and 55 Domestic Airports have incorporated accessibility features. Ambulifts have also been installed at 12 airports. Furthermore, 709 A1, A & B category railway stations have received seven Short Term Facilities, and 603 stations now offer two Long Term Facilities. In the roadways sector, 29.05% of buses are partially accessible, and 5.73% of them are fully accessible.
Additionally, measures have been taken to foster an inclusive digital environment. 627 Central and State/UT government websites have been made accessible, along with 19 private news channels that now broadcast partially accessible news bulletins.
The educational sector has not been overlooked; out of 11,68,292 government and government-aided schools, 71% or 8,33,703 schools are now barrier-free, with ramps, handrails and accessible toilets.
Monitoring the campaign’s activities is done through a Management Information System (MIS) portal. The Sugamya Bharat App plays a crucial role in addressing accessibility issues by allowing individuals to report such grievances for redressal. This app is also effective for generating awareness about the importance of accessibility.
Recent Initiatives for Empowering Persons with Disabilities
Several noteworthy initiatives have been launched recently, both within India and globally. In India, these include the Unique Disability Identification Portal, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances, and National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities.
Meanwhile, on a global scale, there’s the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Principles for People with Disabilities.
