Bengaluru, February 17, 2026: The 3rd National Conference of the Visually Impaired Bank Employees Welfare Association (VIBEWA) was held at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore), bringing together over 250 participants from across the country. The conference, themed “Inclusive Banking for the Divyangjan Bank Employees,” saw participation from employees with visual, hearing, locomotor and multiple disabilities representing Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and financial institutions.
The event was supported by IIIT-Bangalore, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, and Snehadeep Trust. IIIT-Bangalore provided its accessible auditorium, technical assistance, and student volunteers for the conference. The institute’s Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS) also supported the initiative, reflecting continued institutional focus on accessibility and inclusion.
The conference was presided over by Shri Rajesh Asudani, President, VIBEWA. Shri Das Suryavanshi, Karnataka State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, attended as Chief Guest and underscored the importance of compliance and grievance redressal mechanisms. Shri Praveen Kumar Ambashta, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), Government of India, addressed the gathering virtually and stressed effective implementation of the RPwD Act, 2016.
Shri T. K. Venugopal, Chief General Manager, Canara Bank, highlighted institutional responsibility in promoting inclusive systems. Dr. Nikita V. Raut, Deputy General Manager, Bank of Baroda, spoke about structured support for career growth of employees with disabilities.
During the conference, VIBEWA General Secretary Shri Himanshu Sahu presented an audio-visual overview of the association’s journey since its formation in 2014. The presentation included details of its nationwide advocacy efforts, including a recent report on the working conditions of visually impaired bank employees based on an online survey submitted to the Central Government.
Union Bank of India representatives shared insights into digital accessibility initiatives under Union Access, focusing on accessible banking platforms and assistive technology enablement. Multiple technical sessions addressed digital accessibility, training models, assistive technologies, reasonable accommodation, promotions, transfers, and statutory mechanisms for safeguarding rights. Shri Rahul Bajaj from Mission Accessibility joined virtually to share legal perspectives on advocacy and enforcement pathways.
On the second day, discussions focused on leadership development and the formation of bank-level associations for structured representation. The conference concluded with a General Body Meeting, during which reports were presented, resolutions adopted, and future plans outlined.
A key announcement during the event was VIBEWA’s transition to a broader identity as DIBEWA (Divyang Bank Employees Welfare Association), expanding its representation to employees across all disability categories.
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