Aiming to ensure ease of access for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in government buildings, public transport and the information technology field, the Centre has lined up an ‘Accessible India Campaign’ which is to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday – International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“The government further aims to convert 50 per cent of all government buildings in New Delhi and state capitals into ‘fully accessible’ structures by July 2018. The Prime Minister will also present awards to individuals/ organisations for outstanding contributions towards the empowerment of PwDs on the day,” said Lov Verma, secretary of the department of persons with disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Welfare.
As part of its “inclusive” activities being taken to empower PwDs, the government will also hold an international film festival, where films dealing with the lives of PwDs will be telecast.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the three-day film festival, which begins on Tuesday at the Siri Fort auditorium.
“The Prime Minister will launch the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) and also hand over the national awards. The campaign is aimed at making three verticals disabled-friendly –built environment, public transport sector and IT field,” said Verma.