Schemes for Physically Challenged Persons

   The following schemes are being implemented by the Government for the welfare of persons with disabilities:-

   (i) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):- Under the scheme, funds for the welfare of persons with disabilities are provided to the non-governmental organizations for projects like special schools for disabled, Vocational Training Centres, Half Way Homes, Community Based Rehabilitation Centres, Early Intervention Centres for Disabled and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Cured Persons etc.

   (ii) Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP):- Under the scheme, aids/appliances are distributed to the needy persons with disabilities.

   (iii) National Institutions (NIs):- The Ministry supports seven autonomous National Institutes which provide rehabilitation services and with the overall objective of providing rehabilitation services for different types of disabilities.

   (iv) The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) provides concessional credit to persons with disabilities for setting up income generating activities for self employment.

   (v) Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (SIPDA):- Under this scheme, assistance is provided to the State Governments, Institutions, Organizations under Central or State Governments for various activities relating to implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 particularly for creating barrier free environment, supporting District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, Composite Regional Centres etc.

   (vi) Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for providing employment to persons with disabilities:- Under this Scheme, launched in April, 2008, the Government of India reimburse the employers’ contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for initial three years in respect of persons with disabilities employed in the private sectors on or after 1.4.2008, with a monthly salary upto Rs.25,000/-.

   Publicity to this scheme is being given from time to time by this Ministry like broadcasting of radio programmes in Hindi and regional languages, out door publicity during Shilpotsav, India International Trade Fair, Dilli Haat etc.

   This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri D. Napoleon in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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Source;PIB