In a momentous event held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) today, Km. Pratima Bhoumik, Minister of State for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, unveiled five transformative initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) across India.
The initiatives, spearheaded by Km. Pratima Bhoumik, encompasses a broad spectrum of transformative actions, reflecting the government’s tireless pursuit of a more inclusive society. These programs are poised to bring about enduring change and significantly enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities across the nation, aligning with DEPwD’s dedication to advancing disability rights and leveraging technology for the betterment of this community.
At the heart of these initiatives is the PM Daksh-DEPwD Portal, a comprehensive digital platform designed to empower persons with disabilities in their quest for skill training and employment opportunities.
The portal offers seamless registration through the Unique Disability ID (UDID), granting access to location-based skill training options and a vast array of job listings from companies across India. Km. Bhoumik commended the platform’s services, emphasizing its potential to connect persons with disabilities nationwide with job opportunities from esteemed companies like Amazon.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary DEPwD, further highlighted that the Department aims to onboard 25,000 vacancies for persons with disabilities on the PM Daksh-DEPwD portal in the near future.
In a significant move towards data-driven decision-making, DEPwD has released anonymous data through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal for research purposes. This release represents a leap forward in understanding and addressing the needs of the disability sector.
The aggregated data, available on the data.gov.in portal and the UDID Portal, provides insights at various levels, offering valuable information for researchers, policymakers, analysts, rehabilitation professionals, state government officials, NGOs, civil societies, educationists, and more. The data, currently granulated up to the district level, will soon provide block-level granularity to cater to the diverse inquiries related to disability in India.
Another remarkable initiative is the collaboration between DEPwD and the Council of Architecture (COA). This partnership aims to introduce universal accessibility courses within Bachelor of Architecture programs, certifying architects and civil engineers conducting accessibility audits in built environments. This move ensures compliance with accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity in architectural design.
DEPwD has also compiled notable judgments on disability rights from India’s Supreme Court and High Courts into a comprehensive booklet titled “Pathways to Access: Courts on Disability Rights.” This resource serves as a valuable reference guide for persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the disability sector, promoting a better understanding of legal aspects concerning disability rights.
Lastly, the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has introduced an Online Case Monitoring Portal that streamlines the grievance-handling process for persons with disabilities. This initiative eliminates paperwork, making the process more efficient and accessible. Key features include seamless online complaint filing, automated reminders, and simplified hearing scheduling.
These five pioneering initiatives underscore DEPwD’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, advancing disability rights, and driving meaningful change in the lives of persons with disabilities throughout India. The launch event, held at the Nalanda Hall of Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, was attended by prominent officials, emphasizing the collective effort to create a more inclusive and empowered society for all.
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