In May 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) organised the ‘Inclusive India Summit’ on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD on May 15, 2025) at India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The summit was organised in a hybrid mode by DEPwD in collaboration with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based State Bank of India(SBI) Foundation and Delhi-based National Association for the Blind (NAB), and supported by Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Association of People with Disability (APD) and Delhi-based Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation).
- Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, attended the summit as Chief Guest. The summit was aimed to promote inclusive development and digital accessibility for persons with disabilities across the country.
Note: GAAD is observed annually on 3rd Thursday of May, to raise awareness around digital access and inclusion.
Key Points:
i.During the summit, a voice and WhatsApp-based Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot, which is currently under development in collaboration with Sarvam AI, was also demonstrated.
- The chatbot is designed to enhance access to information about disability-related schemes and initiatives for divyangjan.
ii.During the event, Mission Accessibility released its annual Accessibility Report Card, highlighting the current state of accessibility across India and identifying key areas of progress and challenges.
iii.A draft curriculum aimed at integrating digital accessibility into undergraduate computer science and design courses was officially unveiled to promote inclusive education and design practices.
iv.The DEPwD signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with multiple organizations, including New Delhi (Delhi)-based I for Humanity Foundation, Nipman Foundation; New Delhi -based Nipam Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC); and Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Ramp my city Foundation to strengthen efforts towards promoting accessibility and social inclusion.
About Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE):
Union Minister- Dr. Virendra Kumar(Constituency- Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, MP)
Union Minister of State (MoS)– Ramdas Athawale (Rajya Sabha- Maharashtra ); B.L. Verma (Rajya Sabha – Uttar Pradesh, UP)
