Working towards a disabled-friendly India

Abstract

Smart City projects must be aligned to the needs of the disabled and also linked to the Start-up India initiative India has around 80 million people with disability, which may be age related, accident related or due to some medical conditions. According to the Word Bank, one in every 12 households in India has a person living with disability. The Indian policy-makers are aware of the issue and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, tried to address some of the concerns faced by differently-abled persons in India. The Act specifically refers to ease of access to public or private buildings, workplaces, commercial activities, public utilities, religious, cultural, leisure or recreational activities, medical or health services, law enforcement agencies, transport infrastructure, among others. The government’s Smart Cities Mission offers a great opportunity to ensure inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in workplace, neighbourhood activities and in social life. Read more at: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/working-towards-a-disabled-friendly-india/article25040700.ece