Current Affair 1:

News:

Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Accessible India Campaign, embarked on a mission to reshape India into a truly inclusive society. Launched on 3rd December 2015, this flagship initiative was a direct response to the long-overlooked challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

It is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, to ensure universal accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Why Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan was launched?

India, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), had committed to creating an accessible environment for persons with disabilities. Yet, prior to 2015, efforts lacked a cohesive strategy or enforceable timelines.

The Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995, though welfare-oriented, did not adequately address accessibility issues or empower persons with disabilities to demand their rights.

Recognizing this gap, the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan was launched to bring accessibility to the forefront of national development.

Its 3 main pillars are in the process of becoming accessible. These are:

1. Built-Up Environment
2. Transportation System
3. Information & Communication (ICT) ecosystems.

For example:

From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the financial allocations for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities have witnessed a significant increase, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility under initiatives like the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. Budget Estimates (BE) have progressively risen:

And,

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