The Indian government launched the Sugamya Bharat mobile app in 2021 to help people with disabilities and the elderly.
This app lets users report accessibility issues by uploading photos of inaccessible public infrastructure, transportation, and buildings.
More than 1,400 complaints were filed on the app between 2021 and 2024, according to data accessed by Business-Standard.com.
So far, about 75% of these issues have been resolved.
The app received 647 complaints in 2021-22, out of which 567 were solved.
In 2022-23, users lodged 530 complaints, and 391 were resolved.
In 2023-24, 264 complaints were made, and 123 of these were addressed.
Despite early challenges, especially at the state level, the complaint resolution process is now more efficient.
To enhance the app’s effectiveness, the government plans to redesign it with new features.
This update will add an AI-powered chatbot, a multilingual interface, and improved tools for filing and tracking complaints.
This AI-enabled app aims to be a comprehensive platform for all accessibility-related issues in India.
In partnership with Mission Accessibility and research institute I-STEM, the government will work to improve the app further.
Also, to promote accessible construction, they are collaborating with IIT-Kharagpur to create a specialized course on accessible design.
This course will be rolled out to 27 institutions, including other IITs, to raise awareness and skill development in creating accessible buildings.
With over two percent of India’s population living with disabilities, creating accessible spaces is essential.
Making accessibility compliance mandatory in building plans could be a significant step toward inclusive infrastructure.
Through these initiatives, the government is working to enhance accessibility across public spaces, transport, and ICT platforms.
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