Accessible India Campaign

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) came up with the Accessible India Campaign, also known as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan). The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is controlling this department, and through the scheme, it focuses on providing universal access to people who are disabled. 

The scheme will help people with disabilities lead an independent life and participate in various activities. The Government wants to transform the section socially and economically and has designed plans to create mass awareness. It will create a society where all are equal. 

Major components of the Campaign

Develop Environment Accessibility

The Accessible India Campaign’s first main feature is to build an accessible physical environment for all. For this, the Government is taking various measures to remove the obstacles. There should not be barriers in indoor and outdoor spaces like workplaces, schools and other such areas. It includes all the areas such as footpaths, parking space, toilets, entry gate, corridors, emergency exits and other obstacles that hinder pedestrian traffic flow.

Accessibility to Transportation System

For living and moving with independence, it is necessary to have access to proper transportation. It includes bus, train, air travel and taxis. Without an effective transportation system, people may face restrictions to movement and make life more complex. People with disability need proper accessible transportation. The Accessible India Campaign makes it possible for people with disabilities to travel with dignity and help them independently use public and private transportation. 

Accessibility to Information and Communication Eco-System

It means all the people should get access to any information for better opportunities. It can include reading a pamphlet about healthcare, viewing web pages, understanding the webinars, reading the price tags and more. With this concept, the Accessible India Campaign plans to help people with disabilities get access to all the information that is a must for daily life. It removes the obstacles which come in the way of this plan. 

PURPOSE OF THE ACCESSIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN

The Campaign’s main objective is to achieve universal accessibility so that disabled people can live with full freedom and get equal opportunity. It also aims to make them participate in various activities which are part of life and remain inclusive in society. The Campaign aims to provide a proper transport system, all the daily information, and create an environment that comforts people with disabilities.

Through the Campaign, there will be more accessible government buildings where persons with disabilities can enter it without barriers and enjoy all the facilities. 

Accessible India Campaign Mobile App

There is an Accessible India Campaign Mobile App whose launch is done by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It is in line with the web portal to collect a combined list of inaccessible places and cover the Campaign’s three pillars. 

Through the app, anyone can share inaccessible public places with the Government. They can upload a video or a photograph on the portal. It will lead to an audit and financial sanction. Once all is clear, there will be retrofitting the building to become accessible to people with disabilities. Various big corporates and PSUs can also partner through the Campaign to conduct access audits or building conversion. 

ACCESSIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN TARGETS

Here are the targets under this Campaign:

• To conduct an audit of government buildings concerning their accessibility and make them accessible buildings.
• Campaign targets to cover at least 50 major government buildings in the 26 cities.
• 50% of the government buildings in state capitals and Delhi should turn fully accessible.
• Also, there is a target to conduct an audit of 50% of government buildings in each state’s 10 most important cities and make them fully accessible.
• To conduct an accessibility audit of railway stations, public transports, airports, etc. Also, to turn them fully accessible. The same is applicable for international and domestic airports.
• To make category A1, A & B railway stations easily accessible to disabled persons.
• There should be the provision of ramps in health centres, public places, braille symbols in lifts and proper toilets for wheelchair users.
• To conduct an audit of 50% of all government websites and documents for accessibility purposes and turn them fully accessible for people with disabilities. They should also match with the accessibility standards.
• Provide training to 200 sign language interpreters.
• Create awareness through social media regarding the full accessibility of the information.
• Connect with National media and develop sign-language interpretation, captions and other aids to understand television programs.
• The Campaign aims to take the support of all government authorities to create accessible police stations, medical places, digital media and more.

With the Accessible India Campaign, the Government wants to make everything from transport to digital space disabled-friendly.