In a significant move to promote digital accessibility and inclusivity, the Government of India has revamped the Sugamya Bharat App (SBA) — a flagship initiative of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The app now offers a more intuitive user experience, enhanced with an AI-powered chatbot to provide real-time assistance and updates on government schemes and initiatives related to persons with disabilities and the elderly.
As of June 25, 2025, the SBA has registered over 14,358 users, with 83,791 downloads—a majority from Android platforms. Originally launched in 2021, the app serves as a central hub where users can upload geo-tagged photos highlighting barriers in infrastructure, transportation, or communication systems.
The new update introduces:
- A user-friendly interface for seamless navigation
- AI chatbot for instant support
- Integrated circulars and resources on accessibility-related schemes
- Real-time complaint tracking and grievance resolution
To date, 2,705 complaints have been lodged through the app, and 1,897 have been successfully resolved, underscoring the government’s commitment to building an accessible India.
The Ministry urges citizens to actively participate in creating barrier-free environments by reporting accessibility challenges via the SBA, now available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
