India’s digital revolution is incomplete without inclusive design. Here’s how accessibility norms are evolving and where we still have ground to cover in AT interfaces and content.
Regional Chapters by 2026
International Partners by 2027
Startups Supported by 2028
Govt Projects Targeted by 2026
Norms and National Guidelines
The Government of India launched the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), mandating WCAG compliance for all public digital assets. This has led to large-scale audits of ministry sites, e-portals, and apps. The Digital India programme includes targets for universal access and e-governance services.
Organizations like C-DAC and NIC are working with ministries to ensure audio/text readers, alt-text tagging, and keyboard navigation. National Digital Health Mission and PM e-Vidya portals are incorporating screen reader and text-to-speech functionalities.
Reality of Implementation
Despite policy frameworks, implementation is slow. A 2023 audit by NASSCOM Foundation found less than 35% compliance in state government websites. Few private firms have adopted universal design. Apps for public services, including health and banking, often fail basic accessibility checks.
Capacity building is a challenge. There’s a lack of trained digital accessibility auditors. Most web developers remain unaware of accessibility coding practices. Funding and enforcement mechanisms need strengthening.
Summary
- GIGW mandates web accessibility.
- Government apps integrating AT features.
- Implementation gaps remain large.
- Private sector compliance is low.
- Need for trained accessibility staff.
- Awareness campaigns are lacking.
