The Sugamya Bharat App (SBA) is an exceptional initiative by the Government of India intending to support accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older persons. Launched in 2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the app has undergone a reinvention to improve usage and functionality. The impact of the app has since skyrocketed, with as many as 14,358 registered users with at least 83,791 downloads, with the vast majority being Android users.
Key Features of the Sugamya Bharat App
The SBA app, now revised for new purposes contains some very exciting features. It now has a more simplified user interface for easy navigation. It includes a new AI chatbot that allows real-time help from a chatbot that can support users with their queries. The chatbot can assist users with requests in real-time. The app now provides notifications about new accessibility initiatives. The app maintains a pull together of the government schemes and resources that are effective and useful for individuals with disability.
User Engagement and Feedback
One of the new features available on the app invites users to be engaged and report the accessibility barriers. The user can upload geo-tagged images of the area with barriers. This process allows authorities to locate these areas quickly. Since launch, the app has received 2,705 complaints from users. The app has resolved 1,897 complaints. This kind of support reflects the Government’s commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive environment.
Impacts on Reporting on Accessibility
The Sugamya Bharat App is a single platform for citizens to report accessibility issues across multiple domains, including public infrastructure and transportation. The simplicity of reporting accessibility issues means that users have an avenue to help create a barrier-free India. The number of complaints received and resolved shows that the app is effective at addressing user issues.
Future Considerations and Government Endorsement
The app is being developed and future refinements are planned based on users’ requests. The DEPwD continues to encourage the public to report accessibility challenges. This positively false start relates to the broader contribution of building a barrier-free society so all citizens can access essential services without barriers.
