The Indian government has implemented several schemes and programs to support disabled or handicapped persons. These schemes aim to provide financial assistance, healthcare, education, vocational training, and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Here are some key government schemes for disabled persons in India:
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): Launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), this campaign aims to make public infrastructure and transportation accessible for persons with disabilities.
National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC): NHFDC provides financial assistance to disabled persons for self-employment, skill development, education loans, and housing loans through various schemes like the Loan Scheme for Vocational Education and Training for Disabled, Scheme for Construction of Hostels for Persons with Disabilities, etc.
Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme): Under this scheme, the government provides financial assistance to disabled persons for the purchase of aids and appliances like wheelchairs, hearing aids, Braille kits, walking sticks, etc., to improve their mobility and quality of life.
Scholarship Schemes for Persons with Disabilities: Various scholarship schemes are available for disabled students at the national and state levels to support their education. Some examples include the National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities, Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, and Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: This scheme provides assistive living devices such as walking sticks, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and spectacles free of cost to senior citizens belonging to below poverty line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities.
National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD): This fellowship provides financial assistance to students with disabilities pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs to support their higher education.
Skill Training and Employment Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (STEP): This scheme aims to provide vocational training and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities through various skill development programs.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): DDRS provides financial assistance to NGOs, voluntary organizations, and institutions for various activities related to rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Sugamya Pustakalaya: It is a digital library for persons with print disabilities that provides access to a wide range of accessible books and materials in various formats like audiobooks, Braille books, e-books, etc.
These are some of the major schemes and programs initiated by the Indian government to empower and support persons with disabilities across the country. Each scheme has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures, and individuals can avail of these benefits by applying through the respective government departments or agencies.
Website reference link to apply
Here are the website references where you can find more information and apply for some of the mentioned government schemes for disabled persons in India:
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan):
- Website: Accessible India Campaign
National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC):
- Website: NHFDC
Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme):
- Website: ADIP Scheme
Scholarship Schemes for Persons with Disabilities:
- National Scholarship Portal: National Scholarship Portal
- State Scholarship Portals: Each state may have its own scholarship portal. You can search for the specific state scholarship portal for disabled persons.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:
- Website: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD):
- University Grants Commission (UGC) website: UGC Scholarships
Skill Training and Employment Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (STEP):
- Website: STEP Scheme
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):
- Website: DDRS
Sugamya Pustakalaya:
- Website: Sugamya Pustakalaya
Please note that the eligibility criteria, application process, and availability of these schemes may vary. It's recommended to visit the respective websites for detailed information and application procedures for each scheme.