New Delhi: “DMK MP Kanimozhi questioned in the Lok Sabha whether the differently abled are benefiting from the digital system. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A. Narayanasamy gave a detailed reply.
DMK Lok Sabha Committee Vice President and DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi raised a question about this in the Lok Sabha today, “Does the government know that initiatives for digital governance have not helped the differently-abled people of the country, especially the visually and mentally challenged?” If so, what are its details? Does the government have any policy decisions to promote disabled-friendly technology and applications?
What are the details of government apps and websites that have been tested to be PWD friendly? Has the government taken any initiative or policy to encourage app design that includes business applications for people with disabilities? If not, what are the reasons for that?” he asked.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A. Narayanasamy in his reply said: “The Union Government has enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act (2016) which came into effect on 19.04.2017. The Act focuses on creating a barrier-free environment for the differently-abled. It is committed to creating a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities in infrastructure, transportation, information and communication technology, ecosystems, including people with visual and other disabilities.
According to Section 42 of this Act, appropriate Governments shall take steps to ensure that all content available in audio, print and electronic media is accessible to visually impaired persons, and shall maintain public buildings, bus transport and internet sites in a condition suitable for use by the visually impaired persons in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. mentioned.
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances ensures that all government websites comply with the guidelines for websites as per these rules. Also, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued two notifications on 24.12.2021 and 04.05.2022 respectively to address accessibility needs of differently abled persons in ICT products and services.
During the year 2017-18, under the content management framework, 95 websites of central government ministries or departments were set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) has made 632 websites of various states and Union Territories accessible to persons with disabilities. Also, the government has launched a crowdsourcing mobile app called Sugamya Bharat App.
This app helps to resolve accessibility related issues faced while using public center infrastructure, facilities and services. This app ensures that anyone, anywhere, anytime can use it,” said the state minister.
