Why in news?
During the Purple Fest in Goa on 11 October 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities launched a redesigned Sugamya Bharat App. The revamp aims to transform the application from a simple grievance portal into a comprehensive digital hub for accessible public services.
Background
The original Sugamya Bharat App was introduced under the Accessible India Campaign to crowd‑source information on accessibility barriers. Over time it became clear that persons with disabilities needed a unified platform to locate accessible places, find schemes and register complaints. With support from the SBI Foundation and technical partners, the app has been rebuilt with a user‑first design to serve as India’s digital accessibility hub.
Major features
- Accessibility mapping: Users can mark and rate public buildings on parameters like ramps, tactile pavements and accessible toilets. This community‑driven database helps others find disability‑friendly places.
- Directory of schemes: A consolidated list of government schemes, scholarships and benefits is available in one place, reducing the need to navigate multiple websites.
- Job and education listings: The app curates employment and training opportunities from both government and private sectors tailored for persons with disabilities.
- Grievance redressal: A built‑in module allows users to lodge complaints about inaccessible infrastructure and services. Authorities can track and respond to these grievances.
- Inclusive design: The interface supports screen readers, voice navigation and multiple Indian languages. It is available on both Android and iOS platforms and will incorporate AI‑powered chatbot support to assist users in real time.
Why it matters
The revamped Sugamya Bharat App seeks to empower persons with disabilities by putting information and services at their fingertips. By encouraging crowdsourced data on accessibility and providing a direct channel for grievances, it strengthens accountability and promotes barrier‑free environments. Accessible design and multi‑language support make the app usable for a wide audience.
Source: Press Information Bureau