Key Points

The Sugamya Bharat App has been significantly upgraded to provide enhanced support for persons with disabilities across India. With an intuitive interface and AI-powered chatbot, the app allows users to report accessibility barriers through geo-tagged photos and receive real-time information. Since its launch in 2021, the app has already registered over 14,000 users and resolved nearly 1,900 accessibility complaints. The government aims to create a more inclusive environment by encouraging public participation in identifying and addressing infrastructure challenges.

Key Points: Sugamya Bharat App Upgraded for Disability Accessibility

  • Revamped app introduces AI-powered chatbot support
  • Enables real-time accessibility issue reporting
  • Supports persons with disabilities nationwide
  • Geo-tagged photo submissions for infrastructure challenges
2 min read

Centre revamps Sugamya Bharat app to enhance accessibility for disabled, elderly

Government enhances disability app with AI chatbot, improving infrastructure reporting and support for persons with disabilities nationwide

"The app has received 2,705 complaints, with 1,897 successfully resolved - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment"

New Delhi, June 27

The Sugamya Bharat App (SBA), a flagship initiative of the Government of India dedicated to enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly citizens in India, has been revamped to provide a more user-friendly and impactful experience, said the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, on Friday.

The revamp introduced several enhanced features, including a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot support to assist users in real time.

It will also show circulars and notifications about new initiatives related to accessibility and integration of government schemes and other valuable resources for persons with disabilities.

Till June 25, "the app had 14,358 total registered users and witnessed 83,791 app downloads (82,291 on Android platforms and 1,500 on iOS platforms) across both Android and iOS platforms," the ministry said.

Launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), the app serves as an essential platform for citizens to report accessibility issues across public infrastructure, transportation, and information and communication technology (ICT) systems.

Users can easily upload geo-tagged photos of locations where accessibility barriers exist, enabling authorities to take prompt corrective action.

Notably, "the app has received a total of 2,705 complaints, of which 1,897 have been successfully resolved," since its inception, the ministry said. This reflects the government's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.

The DEPwD continues to encourage the public to actively participate in reporting accessibility challenges and supporting the Government's vision of a barrier-free India.

With the AI-powered chatbot, the app has become more intuitive and user-friendly and provides real-time information on government initiatives/schemes.

The app is available for download on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iOS platforms.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a much-needed initiative! My grandfather has mobility issues and we've struggled with accessibility in public places. The geo-tagging feature is brilliant - hope more people use it to report problems. 🙏
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Priya M.
Good step but implementation is key. Many government buildings still lack basic ramps. The app should have strict timelines for complaint resolution. Also, why only 14k registered users? Needs more awareness campaigns!
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Arjun S.
The AI chatbot is a smart addition! But they should make it available in regional languages too. Not everyone is comfortable with English/Hindi. Accessibility starts with language accessibility.
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Neha T.
As a special educator, I appreciate this initiative. But we need similar focus on digital accessibility - many government websites still aren't screen-reader friendly. Hope they address this next.
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Vikram J.
The 70% resolution rate is impressive! But numbers can be misleading - are these permanent solutions or temporary fixes? Would love to see before-after photos of resolved complaints.
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Sunita R.
Finally some good use of technology for social welfare! 👏 My sister uses wheelchair and we face problems daily. Will download and start reporting issues in our area. Hope local authorities respond quickly.

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