News and policy

 

Supreme Court Mandates Universal Accessibility Audits for All Public Transit Systems

August 2, 2026


The apex court ruled that all state transport undertakings must retrofit buses and metro stations with audio-visual announcements and wheelchair lifts within 12 months.


In a landmark judgment delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court ruled that accessible public transit is an fundamental aspect of the Right to Life under Article 21.

State governments have been directed to conduct comprehensive accessibility audits across all state transport buses, interstate bus terminals, metro rail platforms, and railway junctions.

The court warned that non-compliance will lead to contempt proceedings against state transport secretaries.


Union Government Upgrades UDID Portal with AI Medical Certificate Instant Verification

July 24, 2026

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) introduced real-time digital verification, reducing UDID card issuance time from months to 7 days.

The modernized Swavlamban UDID portal now links directly with state civil hospital medical record systems.

Applicants with verified digital hospital records will receive e-UDID cards within 7 business days, eliminating long waiting periods at district medical boards.

Additionally, a new WhatsApp helpdesk (+91-11-24369055) has been launched for real-time status tracking.


UGC Mandates Sign Language Interpreters & Braille Tactile Printers in All Central Universities

July 15, 2026

University Grants Commission issues strict circular directing higher education institutions to set up dedicated Equal Opportunity Cells with assistive hardware.

To promote true inclusive education, UGC has ordered all central and state universities to hire full-time Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreters for lectures.

Universities must also equip central libraries with high-speed Braille embossers and screen-reader enabled computer workstations.

Grants up to ₹25 Lakhs per university have been sanctioned under the Sugamya Campus initiative.

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