Modi govt sympathetic to the physically challenged, proves 'Accessible India'

New Delhi, Aug 24: After the immense popularity of the Swachch Bharat campaign, another movement is gearing up to the same stature-the 'Accessible India', which enables the physically challenged to lead a hassle-free life in India.

Once launched, the government will introduce landmark initiatives to make the country disabled-friendly over a span of five years. Initially, the government is likely to introduce set-top boxes that will help the visually impaired.

In fact, officials from the Department of Disability Affairs under the ministry of Social Justice have met the set-top box manufacturers to discuss possibilities of converting visual messages to vocal ones.

Furthermore, to provide the disabled a memorable experience, video descriptions will also be introduced. In fact, think tanks are also considering to extend the usage of sign language to at least 25% of non-news programmes. Currently, there is just one programme that uses the sign language on DD National.

An official said,"We have set a target for training 200 persons in sign language each year for the next five years."

Following implementation in the Doordarshan, private channels will also be urged to introduce the feature. Even government functions would be required to have trained people in sign languages so that they can translate the proceedings and speeches, making television viewing disabled-friendly.

Banks, ATMs, malls and toilets will also have disability-friendly features for a hassle-free functioning.

A move that comes with hard work

The success of the campaign has not come without a price. Pranav Desai who is the founder of VoSAP had persued various ministries at the Centre to give shape to his brainchild.

He prepared a concept note for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter was in New York. With the help of the Ministry of External Affairs, he got wings to his idea. He finally received an acknowledgement and request from the Ministry of Social Justice and Welfare by Secretary to present his thoughts.

After receiving the appreciation of the Prime Minister, he was invited to the meeting organised under the chairmanship of Secretary(DA) on the initiative of "Accessible India" last year.

While this is just the beginning of the story, the disabled can now dream to have a user-friendly environment to live in.

OneIndia News