From Need to Opportunity: DEPwD, ALIMCO, and EkStep Partner to Build Digital Bridge for Persons with Disabilities
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), and Bengaluru-based EkStep Foundation have signed an MoU to develop and scale the 'Purple Dots – UBI (Unified Benefits Interface)' initiative.
- The initiative establishes an open, interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) where Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) can create a simplified digital profile ('Purple Dot') to state their identity and specific needs, such as jobs, assistive technologies, or skill training.
- By utilizing open digital protocols, the platform enables employers, NGOs, government departments, and philanthropists to list opportunities and resources, shifting disability inclusion from fragmented services to a highly discoverable, localized, and connected ecosystem.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The 'Purple Dots – UBI (Unified Benefits Interface)' initiative, its implementing partners (DEPwD, ALIMCO, and EkStep Foundation), and its role as an open-protocol Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for disability empowerment.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can be leveraged to bridge the accessibility and opportunity gap for vulnerable sections like Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the 'Purple Dots – UBI (Unified Benefits Interface)' initiative, recently in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is designed as an open, interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to create a connected ecosystem for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). 2. It is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), and the EkStep Foundation. 3. The platform allows private employers, NGOs, and philanthropists, alongside government departments, to list opportunities and resources. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. The 'Purple Dots – UBI' initiative is a collaborative effort between DEPwD, ALIMCO, and the EkStep Foundation. It establishes an open, interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) where PwDs can create a simplified digital profile ('Purple Dot') to state their identity and specific needs. It enables various stakeholders, including employers, NGOs, government departments, and philanthropists, to list opportunities and resources, shifting disability inclusion to a highly discoverable, localized, and connected ecosystem.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.