Accessible India Campaign
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is a critical step toward building an inclusive and equitable India. It reflects India’s commitment not just to its laws but to global conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Vision and Objective
The vision of Sugamya Bharat is to create a universally accessible environment that enables persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. Objectives
Accessible Built Environment- Ensure that public spaces, government buildings, and other infrastructure are accessible to all.
Accessible Transportation- Modify public transport systems like buses, railways, and airports to cater to the needs of PwDs.
Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Promote accessible websites, apps, television programs, and services to ensure digital inclusion.
Awareness Generation- Spread awareness about the rights of PwDs and the importance of accessibility.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
Technology has played a transformative role in advancing accessibility
Assistive Technologies
Innovations like screen readers, hearing aids, and smart canes are becoming more common.
Digital Accessibility
AI-based tools for converting speech to text, real-time sign language translation, and accessible UI/UX designs.
GIS Mapping
Used for mapping accessible infrastructure in cities.
What is Sugamya Bharat App?
The Sugamya Bharat App (SBA) is a vital initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens. Launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, this app has undergone revamp to enhance user experience and effectiveness. As of June 2025, the app has achieved remarkable milestones, including over 14,358 registered users and 83,791 downloads, predominantly from Android devices.
When was the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) launched?
December 3,2015
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) launched Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) as a nation-wide Campaign for achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on December 3,2015.
Key Features of the Sugamya Bharat App
The revamped SBA introduces several features designed to improve accessibility. It now boasts a more intuitive user interface that simplifies navigation. An AI-powered chatbot has been integrated to provide real-time assistance to users. This feature allows users to receive immediate support for their queries. Additionally, the app includes notifications about new initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility. It also offers a compilation of government schemes and resources beneficial for persons with disabilities.
Key Components of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
Target- Make at least 50% of government buildings in state capitals and 25 most important cities fully accessible.
Implementation-Accessibility audits by empanelled agencies. Retrofitting of existing buildings with ramps, tactile pathways, accessible toilets, lifts with Braille and audio features, etc.
Progress-More than 600 government buildings have undergone accessibility audits. Many buildings have been retrofitted, though progress is uneven across states.
2. Accessible Transportation System Airports- Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made most of the airports accessible with tactile walkways, lifts, accessible toilets, and signage.
Railways- Indian Railways has started installing ramps, lifts, Braille indicators, and accessible ticket counters at key stations.
Urban Transport-Guidelines have been issued to ensure low-floor buses and accessible transport services. Accessible pedestrian pathways and bus shelters are being developed.
3. Accessible ICT Ecosystem
Mobile Apps- Initiatives to develop accessible mobile applications for government services.