Hi all-for time being, if you want to switch to the old mobile banking app till the new mobile banking gets Accessibility fixes, please send an email to [email protected] while mentioning your customer ID and registered mobile number. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone Dear Kongaleti and all, I agree that while NetBanking is functional and the WhatsApp banking service is a good gesture, WhatsApp banking lacks many of the features we use frequently. It is essential that the mobile banking app itself is made fully accessible. Furthermore, this issue is not limited to HDFC. I suggest that all bank applications must be accessible. I encourage users who have accounts with other banks to raise their voices if they encounter similar accessibility barriers, just as we are doing now with HDFC Bank. Thanks and regards, Nitinbhai
Dear Kongaleti and all, I fully agree with your latest points. It's encouraging that individuals like Amar Jain and organizations like Mission Accessibility are engaged with HDFC, but this is a collective fight and it's crucial for us to raise our voices independently. As you've highlighted, the bank may be inclined to delay costly implementation, banking on the lengthy timeline of legal proceedings in India. This makes it essential for as many customers as possible to speak up and amplify the pressure. The more non-compliance cases HDFC sees from its customers, the more seriously they will treat this as an immediate business and legal risk. I also appreciate the caution regarding citing specific legal sections. While I suspect this falls under a violation of a section like Section 42 of the RPwD Act, which concerns accessibility, we should certainly ensure accuracy before formally listing violations. For now, sending the copy of the Disability Act, as I've done with my Relationship Manager, to highlight the illegality is a strong, necessary step that every affected customer should take. Thanks and regards, Nitinbhai
Dear Nitinbhai and all, I completely agree with the points raised. While it is true that HDFC is collaborating with reputable organizations, it is concerning that this process has already taken over two years with little tangible result for customers. Regarding the involvement of individuals like Amar Jain, we must recognize that since he is now part of the bank's internal process, he may be limited in how much he can push from the outside. Historically, it was only after the threat of legal action that the bank began to move forward. Now that they are working together, we cannot solely rely on those within the process to advocate for us with the same urgency. As customers, the responsibility now lies with us to maintain this momentum. We must take independent action rather than depending entirely on a few organizations that may have their own business interests or constraints. A clear example is the Rapido case, where consistent legal pressure led to progress because the advocates remained independent of the company’s internal teams. I support the suggestion to send formal legal notices with strict deadlines. We are now better informed and guided by groups like Mission Accessibility, and it is time for us to fight for our rights as customers to ensure these digital platforms become fully accessible and compliant with the RPwD Act. thanks and regards,
Kongaleti Satyanarayana Reddy
Hello everyone, I fully agree with the strong points raised by all of you, especially regarding the need to consider legal action. I have a few additional steps we should take: - Leverage Relationship Managers (RM) for Premium Customers (Imperia, Preferred, Classic): For those of us who have one, we should utilize our Relationship Manager, whose contact information (email/WhatsApp) is available in NetBanking. We must send them the PDF of the RPwD Act 2016 and explicitly highlight the sections of the Disability Act that HDFC Bank has violated, stressing that this is an illegal violation. Since it involves a legal non-compliance, this is likely to get an immediate response.
- Email the MD and Secretary: Before proceeding with a formal legal notice, I suggest we all send a coordinated email to the MD and the Secretary, attaching a copy of the Disability Act. It is crucial that all customers add their Customer ID in the subject line so the bank can clearly see the scale of the affected customer base. MD-level intervention can be highly effective.
- File an RBI Complaint: In parallel, a formal complaint can also be lodged with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
I have already taken the first step by sending the Disability Act copy and my concerns to my RM. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I am fully prepared to escalate the matter to the MD. Thanks and regards, Nitinbhai
On Wed, 4 Feb, 2026, 11:52 am 'Mohammed Asif Asif Iqbal (IN)' via AccessIndia, < [email protected]> wrote:
Ketan bhai,
Sadly they explained me the same thing and they claim that our own Amar Jain is working with them to fix this issue. I would suggest email needs to be bombarded to HDFC bank MD to ensure attention to customer like us.
Thanks and regards
Asif
Hello,
I received a call from their development team and they are requesting me to use the old app till such time as they rectify these errors. I hope they will do this quickly.
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
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.
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.
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.
--
Dr. Mahesh S. Panicker
Associate Professor,
Department of Political Science,
Lady Shri Ram College for Women,
Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi 110024
--
Ketan Kothari
Phone: [r] 02228283281,
Cell: +919987550614
+917021054612
Facebook:
facebook.com/muktaketan
Twitter: @muktaketan
Skype ID: Ketan3333
"The information transmitted, including any attachments, is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any
action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited, and all liability arising therefrom is disclaimed. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.
Please note if the e-mail address include "TPR", the sender of this e-mail is a third party resource, and not an employee, who has been specifically authorized to correspond routine matters related to the project only. For any clarification with regard to
any non-routine or engagement specific deliverables please contact the assigned project manager/ project partner."
--
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/MAXPR01MB3278A16E9B68908E9FC6ECB0B198A%40MAXPR01MB3278.INDPRD01.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.
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/CAOgfktmQZ-U_1BwXr2GY6fZE4PfJA1y1ABuN6ruDZEaG1Y23Qg%40mail.gmail.com.
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/CACdzSDt_RupE4QPTM%2B%2BmJnE7FXEGddwzBi7GiavVoMSQ2iMVKA%40mail.gmail.com.
--
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/CAOgfktkpK7qDAHc3KvWXDnvaER5%2Bgb0Z6MZpFr3WgQLgi%3D%3Dj%3DQ%40mail.gmail.com.
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/2D1FD45F-76AE-435B-BB9D-C50ED572CB98%40amarjain.com.
|
