Response from MSJE on web accessibility measures

Serial No

Question

Reply

1.        

What steps has the government taken to fulfil its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and provision 39 of the national policy to make websites of government as well as private and public sector organisations accessible for persons with disabilities? If no such steps have been taken by the government then kindly furnish reasons and explanation for the same and the time frame within which such steps will be taken.

All the Ministries/Departments of the central government, including attached and subordinate offices and autonomous organisations have been advised that their offices under their administrative control should ensure expeditious implementations of the provisions of the convention in so far as it concerns them including through appropriate laws, rules, orders etc.

All state governments and UT administrations have also been requested to bring the provisions of the convention and all resultant obligations to the notice of all concerned, especially government bodies, district collectors, and local bodies, for suitable action. It has been requested that NGOs and the civil society in general should be associated in the effort to empower persons with disabilities.

The ministry is monitoring the progress and implementation  of the UNCRPD.

Copy of the national policy  for persons with disabilities has been circulated by the ministry on to all the Ministries/Departments/State Governments/UT Administrations/Autonomous Bodies/Statutory Bodies/PSUs etc for implementation of the provisions of the policy. Relvant information has also been placed on the Ministry’s website. www.socialjustice.nic.in

2.    .

What are the surveys which have been conducted by your department to check accessibility of various government web sites? If no such surveys have been conducted, kindly furnish reasons and explanation for the same. If such surveys have been conducted, kindly provide me with a copy of the same

No such survey has been made by this ministry. The office of chief commissioner for persons with disabilities has responsibility to check accessibility of various government websites. Except above, the Ministry has no such information about accessibility of the websites. However, a copy of your application is being sent to them for necessary action.

3.        

Please furnish me with details of the standards or criteria used for measuring accessibility to persons with disabilities?

4.        

Please provide me with the details of circulars issued to various departments for making their web site accessible to persons with disabilities. Kindly provide me with a copy of the same as well.  

5.        

Please provide me with information about any other applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005, which have been filed with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment requesting similar/related information and the consequent replies given and action taken by the departments in those instances.

No other application under the act has been filed requesting for such information.