India’s Accessibility Laws
Understand India’s digital accessibility requirements and learn what your organization must do to meet them. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, Deque can help you create compliant, accessible digital experiences that empower all users, regardless of ability.
What are India’s digital accessibility laws and standards?
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016 mandates equitable access to digital platforms for India’s 26.8 million persons with disabilities. It requires public and private organizations to ensure that websites, apps, and digital content are accessible.
The Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) enforces WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance for public-sector platforms, while the IT Act, 2000, emphasizes secure, accessible digital environments aligned with global standards.
Disability and digital accessibility in India
As your organization develops its digital compliance strategies, consider this
26.8 million people in India have a disability.
Digital transactions in India grew by 56% in FY 2022–2023 (PDF) and are projected to quadruple by FY 2026–2027, yet remain largely inaccessible to people with disabilities.
79% of India’s web traffic comes from mobile devices, underscoring the need for responsive, accessible design.
Why digital accessibility is right for your organization
The benefits of offering accessible products and services are wide-ranging and include:
Equality and inclusion
In India, where over 5% of households include a person with a disability, digital inclusion is essential for equitable access across a diverse population.
Trust and loyalty
Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates your commitment to your users, customers, and community. Accessibility builds credibility and leads to increased trust and loyalty.
Innovation and competitiveness
Building products and services that meet or exceed standards such as WCAG 2.1 sets you apart from organizations have not invested in digital accessibility.
The risks of non-compliance
Failure to comply with the RPwD act can have serious consequences for your organization, including:
Fines
Organizations could face penalties up to 5,00,000 INR (~ $6,000 USD) under the RPwD Act, with potential imprisonment for repeat violations.
Legal action
Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits from individuals or advocacy groups under the IT Act or RPwD, damaging reputation and finances.
Loss of business
Inaccessible platforms can exclude a large portion of your audience, leading to lost revenue and other business opportunities.
Choose Deque for digital accessibility in India
Regional experts
Deque has offices and employees in India and worldwide with deep knowledge of local guidelines.
Strategic Consulting
Our Principal Strategy Consultants help build, run and improve the world’s largest digital accessibility programs.
Trusted and proven tools
Our Axe accessibility testing tools are the defacto global standard with 875,000+ installs.
Frequently asked questions
What are India’s key accessibility laws?
The RPWD Act, 2016, mandates digital accessibility across sectors. GIGW and the IT Act enforce WCAG 2.1 alignment for government and private platforms.
Is compliance with India’s accessibility standards mandatory?
Yes, compliance with India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) is mandatory for both government and private sector organizations. The Guidelines for Indian Government Websites make WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance compulsory for all public digital services, while private enterprises are strongly encouraged to meet these standards to ensure inclusivity.
What are the benefits of aligning with WCAG guidelines?
Aligning with WCAG ensures your digital content meets both global accessibility standards and India’s specific requirements. Beyond compliance, it allows you to serve India’s diverse population more effectively – from urban centers to rural communities – while building trust and credibility with all users. Accessible design also future-proofs your digital assets as India’s regulatory framework continues to evolve.
