New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Launched in 2021 as a flagship initiative to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities (divyangjan) and senior citizens, the Sugamya Bharat App (SBA) has received 2,705 complaints to date, which the activists in the sector termed as a dismally low number, considering the scale of accessibility challenges across the country.
Of these, 1,897 complaints have been resolved. The platform boasts of 14,358 registered users and 83,791 downloads.
To enhance its utility, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has recently revamped the app, said a government statement here.
New features include a more user-friendly interface, AI-powered chatbot assistance, updates on government schemes, and easy access to information on accessibility initiatives. The app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Muralidharan, general secretary, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), however, noted that of late there has been too much of reliance on internet and app-based solutions and mechanisms.
While internet penetration has increased, the fact conveniently glossed over is that majority of disabled persons come from economically unsound backgrounds, who lack even basic amenities, let alone talk of smart phones. "No wonder, therefore, that the reception to the mechanism has been lukewarm, despite all the lofty claims that are being made," he said.
“Also, complaint resolution necessarily does not mean that the grievance has been addressed. It may be considered "resolved" at the official level, even while the complainant has received no remedy. This is not to deny that these are methods/mechanisms of the future and are here to stay. But there should be a mix of both and the insistence on Apps alone will do more harm than good,” he added.
According to the 2011 Census, there were 26.8 million persons with disabilities in India, making up 2.21% of the country’s total population. Data from the National Sample Survey’s 76th round in 2018 shows that the proportion of PwDs has slightly increased over time. Overall, 2.3% of India’s population was reported as having some form of disability. as per various reports.
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