Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, unveiled five transformative initiatives to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the nation.

Overview of Five pioneering initiatives:

• MOU with Council of Architecture: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD) has joined hands with the Council of Architecture (COA) to introduce universal accessibility courses within Bachelor of Architecture programs.
• Releasing of Anonymous Data of UDID: DEPwD’s release of anonymous data through the Unique Disability ID (UDID) portal for research purposes represents a significant leap in data-driven decision-making within the disability sector. 
• PM Daksh Portal: It is  a  digital platform to empower Persons with Disabilities in their pursuit of skill training and employment opportunities. 
  • The portal offers seamless registration through UDID, access to location-based skill training options, a wide array of job listings from across India, and streamlined administrative processes.
• Pathways to Access: DEPwD has compiled notable judgments from India’s Supreme Court and High Courts concerning disability rights into a comprehensive booklet. 
  • This resource serves as a valuable reference guide for persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the disability sector.
• Online Case Monitoring Portal by CCPD: The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has adopted an application for handling grievances filed by persons with disabilities. 
  • This initiative streamlines the entire process, making it paperless and efficient. Key features include seamless online complaint filing, automated reminders, and simplified hearing scheduling.

News Source: PIB