Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
2) Technology has enabled blind and visually-impaired people to access mainstream services but there is a definite need to comply with the accessibility guidelines issued in the interest of millions of such users. Discuss.
Why this question:
Divyangs as the persons facing any disability are more aptly called, form an important segment of our population. 3rd December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. With rise in the proliferation of Digital India, digital access for the Divyangs has highlighted the issue of inclusive growth in India . It is therefore important to analyze the issue.
Key demand of the question:
The questions wants us to discuss in detail how the Banks and technology developers either lack awareness about accessibility or do not consider visually-impaired people an integral part of their user base. The need to undertake Divyang-Friendly measures at planning stage for ensuring inclusive growth
Directive:
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the increasing digital connectivity in India across all the realms. Give the various scenarios where the Divyangs are facing difficulties in accessing Internet and its applications.
Body:
Discuss in detail the various challenges faced in the accessing technological platforms for basic living.
Explain that it is unarguable that for ”Sugamya Bharat” or “Accessible India” to become a reality, there is a need to focus not just on accessibility of the built environment but also on information accessibility for the differently abled.
Often the understanding of accessibility is misconstrued by limiting it only to the built physical environment. Forms of communication and information such as websites, apps, documents, television broadcasts, and the various other communication mediums and devices stay forgotten while discussing accessibility for the disabled.
Mention that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 mandates that all public facilities and services including financial and banking services should be accessible to all.
Provide measures to overcome the digital inaccessibility and promote inclusiveness.
Conclusion:
Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
