Dear Mahesh and all, I completely agree with the points raised. It is concerning that accessibility barriers remain prevalent across various banking applications, including HDFC.
While organizations like Mission Accessibility are doing important work, I believe it is time for a broader range of voices to be heard. Based on my observations, this accessibility project in HDFC has been "in progress" for over two years now. While work may be happening in the background, it is unacceptable for standard applications to remain inaccessible for such an extended period. Relying solely on emails often feels ineffective, as they are frequently overlooked. Given the lack of tangible progress, we should consider serving a formal legal notice. This may be the only way to ensure these institutions take their obligations under the RPwD Act seriously and respect our right to independent and secure digital banking. Thanks and regards, Kongaleti Satyanarayana Reddy thanks and regards, Kongaleti Satyanarayana Reddy On Tue, Feb 3, 2026 at 10:04 PM Mahesh S. Panicker < [email protected]> wrote: > HDFC really need to do some work on accessibility. Their home loan app on > Android is totally disfunctional with TalkBack. > Firstly they have issue with proper, reputed 3rd party keyboards like > Microsoft Swiftkey Keyboard. Then if you bypass that, TalkBack is unable to > provide any further feedback. Can't explore by touch, can't naviggate by > swipe. Absolutely silent. 100 percent inaccessible. > > On Tue, Feb 3, 2026 at 7:40 PM megha patangi <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> I completely agree and echo the concerns listed below. >> I am an android user and equally blocked by the new HDFC mobile banking >> app. Also went and notified the bank manager of my home branch but haven't >> heard anything yet. >> This app and site inaccessibility is completely disabling my access and >> when I am dependent on others for assistance, it is killing my financial >> privacy and security. >> >> >> >> On Fri, Jan 30, 2026 at 2:41 PM Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Dear HDFC Digital Banking Team, >>> >>> >>> >>> I am writing to highlight several accessibility challenges experienced >>> while using both the HDFC Bank Mobile Banking App (iOS) and the HDFC >>> NetBanking website. As a customer who relies on assistive technologies such >>> as screen readers, these issues significantly impact my ability to use your >>> digital services independently and securely. >>> >>> >>> >>> 1. Mobile App: Two Factor Authentication (2FA) Approval Screen >>> >>> During the NetBanking login process, when prompted to authorize sign in >>> from the mobile app, the approval screen displays a “Swipe right to accept” >>> instruction. >>> >>> However, this element is not exposed as an accessible control for screen >>> readers and cannot be activated using assistive technology. >>> >>> Only the Decline option works as an actual actionable button. >>> >>> This creates a barrier for customers with disabilities, preventing us >>> from completing a critical security step without sighted assistance. >>> >>> >>> >>> 2. NetBanking Website: OTP Page Produces Continuous Clicking Sound >>> >>> When the system directs the user to the OTP entry page, a repeated >>> clicking sound is played due to a progress indicator. >>> >>> For screen reader users, this sound is extremely disorienting and >>> interferes with the ability to focus on entering the OTP safely. >>> >>> >>> >>> 3. Unlabelled and Mislabeled Buttons (Mobile App & Website) >>> >>> Across both platforms, several buttons are: >>> >>> • Unlabelled >>> >>> • Incorrectly labelled >>> >>> • Announced inaccurately by screen readers >>> >>> >>> >>> This makes navigation unpredictable, error prone, and in some cases, >>> impossible without external assistance. >>> >>> >>> >>> 4. Need for Compliance with the RPwD Act, 2016 >>> >>> As per The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, >>> enforced on April 19, 2017, all service providers—including banks—are >>> required to ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to persons >>> with disabilities. >>> >>> Accessibility is not only a legal requirement but also essential for >>> inclusive and dignified digital banking. >>> >>> >>> >>> I kindly request your team to review and address these issues at the >>> earliest by ensuring: >>> >>> • All UI controls are properly labelled and accessible >>> >>> • Approval screens use standard, screen reader compatible action buttons >>> >>> • Auditory distractions (such as unnecessary clicking sounds) are >>> removed or made optional >>> >>> • Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and RPwD guidelines is validated before >>> updates are released >>> >>> >>> >>> Improving accessibility will enhance the banking experience for >>> thousands of customers who rely on assistive technology. >>> >>> Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to >>> seeing improvements that make HDFC’s digital services truly inclusive. >>> >>> -- >>> Disclaimer: >>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >>> >>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> --- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "AccessIndia" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to [email protected]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/024a01dc91c8%246087ee00%242197ca00%24%40gmail.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/024a01dc91c8%246087ee00%242197ca00%24%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- >> Disclaimer: >> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >> >> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >> mails sent through this mailing list.. >> >> >> Search for old postings at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "AccessIndia" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAFViccRMH3Tn2g052%3DzsiPEVMyQj_cRTZuK2td5_rM69QjamCQ%40mail.gmail.com >> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAFViccRMH3Tn2g052%3DzsiPEVMyQj_cRTZuK2td5_rM69QjamCQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > > > -- > Dr. Mahesh S. Panicker > Associate Professor, > Department of Political Science, > Lady Shri Ram College for Women, > Lajpat Nagar > New Delhi 110024 > > > > > -- > Disclaimer: > 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of > the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; > > 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails > sent through this mailing list.. > > > Search for old postings at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "AccessIndia" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAFAyNENRoZUXzs3oGX4-42grhknEzDLcrv9ndnrE2UEVwbYm_Q%40mail.gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAFAyNENRoZUXzs3oGX4-42grhknEzDLcrv9ndnrE2UEVwbYm_Q%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CACdzSDsUbsvFwdr37PC8okMoTfBd7uS1rJU532-QdhKjdhQBpA%40mail.gmail.com.
