UPPSC Mains 2019 Paper 2

Write a note on the role and importance of "Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan".

Verified Answer

The 'Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan' (Accessible India Campaign) is a nationwide flagship campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, on December 3, 2015. Its primary objective is to achieve universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and to create an inclusive society where PwDs can live with dignity and participate equally in all aspects of life.

Role of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: The campaign focuses on making three critical components of the public infrastructure accessible:

  1. Built Environment Accessibility: This involves making public buildings, transportation hubs (railway stations, bus stands, airports), and other physical infrastructure accessible through ramps, accessible toilets, tactile paths, and lifts.
  2. Transportation System Accessibility: It aims to make public transportation (buses, trains, airlines) accessible for PwDs by providing features like accessible coaches, designated seating, and assistance services.
  3. Information and Communication Ecosystem Accessibility: This focuses on making websites, public documents, and information systems accessible through screen readers, sign language interpreters, and easy-to-understand formats. It also includes promoting accessible technologies and digital literacy for PwDs.

Importance of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan:

  1. Promotes Inclusivity and Equality: The campaign is vital for upholding the rights of PwDs and ensuring their equal participation in society. It aims to remove physical and informational barriers that prevent them from accessing education, employment, healthcare, and public services.
  2. Empowerment of PwDs: By providing accessible infrastructure and services, the campaign empowers PwDs to lead independent and productive lives, reducing their reliance on others and enhancing their self-esteem.
  3. Fulfills International Commitments: India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is a significant step towards fulfilling the obligations under this convention by creating an accessible environment.
  4. Economic Benefits: An accessible environment allows PwDs to contribute to the economy, reducing their dependency and increasing the overall workforce participation. It also opens up new markets for accessible products and services.
  5. Social Awareness and Sensitization: The campaign helps in raising public awareness about the challenges faced by PwDs and promotes a more sensitive and inclusive attitude towards them within society.
  6. Holistic Development: By addressing accessibility in a comprehensive manner across various domains, the campaign contributes to the holistic development and well-being of PwDs, enabling them to realize their full potential.

In essence, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is not just about physical infrastructure; it's about fostering a societal mindset that values and enables the full participation of every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, thereby building a truly inclusive India.