The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched an initiative to ensure that every differently abled woman in the state becomes digitally literate by 2026. The goal is not only to make them technologically skilled but also to build long-term self-reliance and establish Uttar Pradesh as a truly disability-friendly state.
The commitment toward empowerment began in 2017, when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath increased job reservation for persons with disabilities from 3% to 4%, unlocking employment opportunities for more than three lakh candidates across government departments.
At present, 1,403 dedicated special schools are functioning across the state, with half of the enrolled students being girls. These institutions are equipping students with digital competencies, from basic computer literacy to mobile applications and online learning. One special school in Chitrakoot has become a model of success where differently abled girls are actively pursuing IT courses using e-learning platforms.
Infrastructure accessibility has also seen a major upgrade. Under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, 271 out of 278 government buildings have already been fitted with wheelchair ramps, barrier-free entry points and voice-assisted systems, enhancing mobility for persons with disabilities.
Digital inclusion is also a priority. The state’s IT department has revamped 44 government websites to comply with WCAG-2.1 accessibility standards, enabling visually impaired citizens to easily navigate information and government services. The disabled pension portal has been upgraded with voice-command support, allowing rural disabled women to access pension benefits without assistance.
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Further, more than 200 women are currently undergoing training in e-commerce and freelance work at a digital centre in Lucknow, helping them move toward digital employment and entrepreneurship.
