The Delhi Government has announced a set of initiatives under the “Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan” to make all Government buildings and sports stadiums in the city accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs). These measures include infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, lifts, Braille signage, wheelchair access, and audio-visual support systems, said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday.
The Chief Minister shared the plan following a meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat with Dr Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat. Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials from the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities also attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister said the Government is working to align Delhi’s infrastructure with national accessibility standards, aiming to make the capital a model city for inclusion. The effort will also extend to public services, education, and sports. The initiative is based on the "Sarkar, Samaj, Bazaar" framework, which involves coordination between the government, local communities and the private sector to develop sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
The “Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan” is intended to support and localise the ‘Accessible India Campaign’ launched by the central government in 2015. Delhi’s version seeks to establish the city as India’s first “Purple City,” reflecting universal accessibility across urban spaces.
The campaign is being led by the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), which also works in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship for PwDs.
During the meeting, officials also discussed plans to organise a ‘Purple Fest’ in Delhi as part of the campaign. The proposed event aims to raise public awareness and improve societal attitudes toward the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities. The Chief Minister directed officials to begin preparing a detailed plan for the event.
Gupta said that special schemes will be launched to encourage the active participation of PwDs in education, sports and other public services. She stated that ensuring equal access and inclusion remains a key priority for the Delhi Government.