In a historic judgement, the Mumbai High Court has ordered special provisions in government websites for visually impaired persons. In view of this, the Union Social Welfare Ministry has ordered the states and Union Territories to take steps accordingly. The Maharashtra Government has already gone ahead in developing such websites. The Mumbai High Court has proposed private organizations to think on this line as well.
There is no denying the fact that this is a welcome move, considering the accessibility issues of persons with visual disabilities. In fact, people from various quarters have welcomed this inclusive step which can effectively support digital outreach. When the Digital India campaign was rolled out few years back, this issue was brought forward. Finally, with the latest judgement, formal adjustments are being done. Currently, almost all government initiatives, transactions at both state and the central levels are accessible digitally.
In this regard, Debashis Sen, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, IT Department and Hidco Chairman remarked, “To avail this option, specific technology is available. We are carefully looking into it. We have to come up with a directive in this regard. But it is difficult to initiate such a mode before the Lok Sabha Elections. All visitors to the sites can avail such options. Many a times, it is seen that people don’t read website content carefully. The new mode will be definitely helpful in this regard”. (As told to The Times of India)
According to the IT Department, a sound system will be used to find answer to any queries regarding the website. The entire mode of functioning will be very similar to Google Assistant. In other words, after opening any site, the concerned person can request for any particular piece for information without even typing in key board. Even that has to be said fast or slowly, can be regulated. But no doubt, the whole transformation requires technological reforms applicable in government websites. The IT Department is yet to share details in this regard.
In a historic judgement, the Mumbai High Court has ordered special provisions in government websites for visually impaired persons. In view of this, the Union Social Welfare Ministry has ordered the states and Union Territories to take steps accordingly. The Maharashtra Government has already gone ahead in developing such websites. The Mumbai High Court has proposed private organizations to think on this line as well.
There is no denying the fact that this is a welcome move, considering the accessibility issues of persons with visual disabilities. In fact, people from various quarters have welcomed this inclusive step which can effectively support digital outreach. When the Digital India campaign was rolled out few years back, this issue was brought forward. Finally, with the latest judgement, formal adjustments are being done. Currently, almost all government initiatives, transactions at both state and the central levels are accessible digitally.
In this regard, Debashis Sen, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, IT Department and Hidco Chairman remarked, “To avail this option, specific technology is available. We are carefully looking into it. We have to come up with a directive in this regard. But it is difficult to initiate such a mode before the Lok Sabha Elections. All visitors to the sites can avail such options. Many a times, it is seen that people don’t read website content carefully. The new mode will be definitely helpful in this regard”. (As told to The Times of India)
According to the IT Department, a sound system will be used to find answer to any queries regarding the website. The entire mode of functioning will be very similar to Google Assistant. In other words, after opening any site, the concerned person can request for any particular piece for information without even typing in key board. Even that has to be said fast or slowly, can be regulated. But no doubt, the whole transformation requires technological reforms applicable in government websites. The IT Department is yet to share details in this regard.
