Lok Sabha Question No. 1518 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-09
Subject: Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1518

TO BE ANSWERED ON - 09/12/2025

## SUGAMYA BHARAT ABHIYAN IN ANDHRA PRADESH

1518.   Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy:

Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

(a)  the  details  regarding  the  total  number  of  beneficiaries  covered  under  the  Sugamya  Bharat Abhiyan  during  the  last  five  years,  State  and  district-wise  in  Andhra  Pradesh  and  especially in Prakasam and Nellore districts;

(b)  the  details  regarding  the  total  amount  of  funds  allocated,  released  and  utilised  under  the scheme  over  the  last  five  years,  including  details  of  expenditure  on  infrastructure  upgrades and service  improvements  in  the  country,  State  and  district-wise  in  Andhra  Pradesh  and especially in Prakasam and Nellore districts;

(c)  the  details  regarding  the  extent  to  which  modern  technologies  such  as  digital  accessibility tools, assistive devices and technology-enabled assessments have been developed or deployed to support beneficiaries under the scheme; and

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  steps  to  raise  awareness  about  the  scheme among persons with disabilities, implementing agencies and the general public, including details of outreach campaigns, training programmes and measurable outcomes; if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

## (SHRI B L VERMA)

(a)  &  (b):   The  Accessible  India  Campaign  (Sugamya  Bharat  Abhiyan)  was  launched  on December 3, 2015 for creating universal accessibility in three verticals: the built-up environment, transportation  system,  and  Information  &  Communication  Technology  (ICT)  ecosystem.  The campaign  is  target-oriented  and  the  focus  is  towards  making  government  buildings,  public transport  and  websites  accessible.  Grants  are  given  on  receipt  of  only  compliant  proposals received by States/UTs. In 2025-26 FY , an amount of Rs. 31.00 lakhs has been released as first instalment under the Creation of Barrier Free Environment(CBFE) Scheme for retrofitting of 02 State Government buildings in Andhra Pradesh.

(c)The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, (ALIMCO)Kanpur, is the primary implementing agency supplying quality  and modern assistive devices to persons with disabilities under the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase or Fitting of Aids and Appliances Scheme. The Corporation has  adopted several advanced technological interventions, including digital scanning for fabrication of three-dimensional printed prosthetic sockets, development of a low-vision  assistive  eyewear  device,  a  lithium-ion  battery-operated  motorised  tricycle  and 'Kadam'  knee  joint  developed  in  collaboration  with  leading  scientific  institutions  and  is continuously improving its product designs through ToTs/partnerships with engineering institutes  and  product  leaders  in  this  field.  Additionally,  a  Transfer  of  Technology  agreement with Ottobock has enabled the production and fitment of international-standard prosthetic device for lower-limb amputees.

Further, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued the Accessibility Standards for Health  Care notified  on  4th  May  2023,  mandating  accessibility  measures  all  in  healthcare facilities. The guidelines also emphasize accessibility of hospital and health-related websites to ensure  seamless  navigation  using  assistive  technologies.  In  addition,  the  Indian  Council  of Medical  Research  has  released  the  National  List  of  Essential  Assistive  Products  to  promote universal access to essential assistive devices and support healthcare and rehabilitation services.

(d)  Under  the  Department's   Awareness  Generation  &  Publicity  (AGP)  Scheme,  various awareness  programmes  are  conducted  through  events  organized  by  National  Institutes  (NIs), Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), Regional Centres (RCs) under the Department, Government  Bodies,  Educational  Institutions,  and  registered  NGOs/Organizations to  create general  awareness  about  the  schemes  and  programmes  of  the  Department  for  the  welfare  of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)  and also to  sensitise employers and other stakeholders about the  special  needs  of  persons  with  disabilities  and  promote  their  overall  well  being  and empowerment.

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