Accessible India Campaign: A Reflection on 9 Yrs of Progress

Arman Ali

THERE COULDN’T HAVE BEEN A BETTER COINCIDENCE. Just as we were preparing to celebrate, analyze, and reflect on nine years of the ambitious Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment that reinforces its mission. On November 8, the Court directed the Union Government to frame mandatory rules under Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This directive, aimed at ensuring public spaces and services are accessible to persons with disabilities, provides a renewed impetus to India’s quest for inclusivity.

Launched in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Accessible India Campaign set out with a bold vision: to ensure accessibility across built environments, transportation systems, and information and communication ecosystems. It was the first nationwide effort of its kind, targeting the 50 most important buildings in tier 1 cities and 25 key buildings in tier 2 cities for complete accessibility.

I vividly recall attending several high-level meetings convened by Chief Secretaries of states, where departments were tasked with monitoring progress and updating accessibility measures in their respective areas. These sessions reinforced the seriousness of the government’s intent and demonstrated the scale of commitment required for such a transformative initiative. Cities like Chandigarh, known for its meticulous urban planning, and Bhubaneswar, celebrated for its accessibility initiatives, emerged as inspiring examples of what the campaign could achieve.

Yet, despite its groundbreaking vision, the campaign faced significant challenges, particularly at the state level. Accessibility being a state subject placed much of the implementation burden on states, many of which struggled to meet ambitious targets. Limited accountability mechanisms and a lack of coordination between Union and state governments further hindered progress. The campaign’s ambitious goals - such as retrofitting public infrastructure and enhancing digital accessibility - remained unmet in several regions.

The Supreme Court’s timely intervention injects new urgency into this mission. By transforming recommendations into legal mandates, the judgment ensures that the Accessible India Campaign cannot be allowed to lose momentum.

A Personal Perspective on the Way Forward

Reflecting on the campaign’s journey, I believe Accessible India 2.0 must embrace a mission-mode approach akin to successful initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Strong stakeholder engagement, clear accountability mechanisms, and achievable timelines are crucial for translating its vision into reality. Incentives will be key drivers of change. For instance, universities could make accessibility a criterion for NAAC accreditation, while industries, local governments, and public institutions could be rewarded for adopting universal design principles.

The campaign’s focus must also broaden from physical infrastructure to encompass products, services, and digital ecosystems. The private sector holds enormous potential to complement government efforts. Companies can adopt inclusive design principles in their offices, products, and services, while partnerships with Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) can provide valuable insights into the needs of the disabled community. Recognizing accessibility as both a societal commitment and a business strategy will be transformative.

From Reflection to Action

Nine years of the Accessible India Campaign have laid a strong foundation, but it is clear that much remains to be done. The Supreme Court’s judgment is a clarion call to move from aspiration to action, making accessibility a national priority. To succeed, we need collective efforts at every level. The Union and state governments must align strategies, civil society organizations should amplify advocacy, the private sector must innovate and invest in accessibility, and the media needs to keep these issues in focus.

As someone who has seen the Accessible India Campaign evolve over the years, I remain hopeful about its potential. With a sharper focus on execution, stakeholder alignment, and sustainable progress, Accessible India 2.0 can become a powerful catalyst for building an inclusive nation. The dream of an India where accessibility is not just an ideal but a reality for all is within reach - if we seize this moment with determination and purpose.

(Arman Ali is the Executive Director at NCPEDP, New Delhi)

December 12, 2024