RPwD Act 2016 and Digital Accessibility: Compliance Requirements for Banks
Understanding how the RPwD Act impacts digital accessibility requirements for commercial banks and NBFCs.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 establishes the legal foundation for digital accessibility in India. For RBI-regulated banks, this means all customer-facing digital services must be accessible.
Section 42: ICT Accessibility
This section mandates that all electronic and information technology services be accessible to persons with disabilities. Banks must ensure their internet banking portals, mobile apps, and ATM interfaces comply.
Section 46: Website Accessibility
All government and government-funded institutions must make their websites accessible. RBI has extended this expectation to all scheduled commercial banks and NBFCs.
Practical Steps
Start with a comprehensive accessibility audit, prioritize critical user journeys (account opening, transfers, bill payments), and implement remediation in phases. Regular monitoring ensures sustained compliance.