Steps to Create a GIGW Compliant Portal

Creating a portal that complies with the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) is essential to ensure accessibility, usability, and transparency for all citizens. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Adhere to Accessibility Standards

Ensure that your portal meets the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0 AA compliance:

• Provide alt text for all images and media.
• Ensure the website can be navigated via keyboard and is accessible to screen readers.
• Ensure a high-contrast color scheme for readability.

2. Implement Responsive Design

Make sure that your website is responsive and optimized for all devices, including mobiles, tablets, and desktops.

3. Follow Content Guidelines

• Use simple and easy-to-understand language in all the content.
• Follow the GIGW content guidelines to structure content effectively.
• Ensure all text is in a readable font size and can be zoomed in easily.

4. Secure Your Portal

• Ensure all communications are encrypted using SSL/TLS certificates.
• Keep the software, plugins, and libraries updated to the latest versions.
• Implement CAPTCHA for forms to avoid bots and malicious attacks.

5. Multi-language Support

Your website should provide content in multiple languages as per the citizens' needs, particularly Hindi and English.

6. Metadata and SEO Compliance

• Provide proper meta descriptions, keywords, and titles for all pages.
• Ensure the portal is SEO-friendly to be easily discoverable by search engines.

7. Regular Monitoring and Auditing

Conduct regular security audits and accessibility checks to ensure that the website remains compliant with GIGW guidelines. Make necessary updates and enhancements to meet evolving requirements.

8. Provide Feedback and Support Options

Ensure users can easily submit feedback or complaints through forms, chatbots, or contact details on the portal.

9. Hosting and Domain Considerations

• Ensure the website is hosted on a secure server that provides regular backups.
• Use a domain under .gov.in as per government standards.