The Ministry of Finance, for ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities in the banking sector has introduced “Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Banking Sector.” This move aligns with the mandate outlined in Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which emphasised the formulation of rules to establish accessibility standards across various domains.
Under the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the Central Government, in collaboration with the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, is tasked with setting standards for accessibility in the physical environment, transportation, information and communications, and other public services, both in urban and rural areas.
With the aim of addressing the accessibility requirements of individuals with disabilities concerning banking sector facilities and services, the Department of Financial Services ( DFS ) within the Ministry of Finance collaborated with stakeholders and the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to develop the “Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Banking Sector.”
These standards aim to address the specific accessibility needs of persons with disabilities within the banking sector. They cover a wide range of areas, including physical infrastructure, digital services, communication channels, and customer service facilities. By implementing these guidelines, banks can ensure that their services are inclusive and accessible to all members of society, regardless of their abilities.
The Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Banking Sector have been officially notified by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The document is readily available on the ministry’s official website at https://financialservices.gov.in, providing banks and financial institutions with comprehensive guidance on enhancing accessibility within their operations.
Subscribe Taxscan Premium to view the JudgmentSupport our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
