The Government on December 3, 2015 launched “Accessible India Campaign”(Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), a nationwide campaign that will enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, independent living and participation in all aspects of life in an inclusive society.
Key Points
Need for the New Scheme
With the successful launch of the Accessible India Campaign, India will join the rest of the world, as an inclusive society with universal accessibility, caring for its citizens, accessibility rights and independent living. Physical accessibility related actions will initiate accessibility to education, employment and livelihood, which will unleash productivity of 6% population and their economic contribution in nation building.
Sugamya Pustakalaya
SugamyaPustakalaya was launched in August 2016. “SugamayaPustakalaya” is an online platform that makes accessible content available to print-disabled people. The library houses publications across diverse subjects and languages and multiple accessible formats. It has been created by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with member organizations of Daisy Forum of India and powered by TCS Access. Books are available in Accessible formats for people with visual impairment and other print disabilities. Over 2 lakhs books in diverse languages. Integrating libraries across India and the Globe, including the largest international library, ‘Bookshare’.
Resolution WHA 65.4 It is significant that 65th World Health Assembly held in 2013 approved and adopted Resolution WHA 65.4 on global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, co-ordinated response from the health and social sectors at the community level. India was one of the main sponsors of the resolution. This Mental Health Policy is in consonance with the intent of this WHA Resolution. |