Ability Forum

[kodakkal]

The strategies for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are given as under:
(a) Review of Existing Laws
● There is an urgent need to review all the four disability legislations and to amend them
suitably to bring them in consonance with UNCRPD.
(b) Setting up New Institutions
● The Disability Division of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment should be strengthen
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by converting into a separate department so that it can liaise effectively with all other
concerned Ministries/Departments and fulfil its responsibilities towards the disabled.
● To promote greater accessibility and a barrier-free environment to the disabled, a new
National Institute of Universal Design will be set up.
● Disability units will be set up in the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council
for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and all other apex education bodies.
● A National Centre to facilitate and support the development of universal design and barrierfree
built environment will be established.
● Sign Language Research and Training Centre will be established which will be devoted to
the development and promotion of sign language and training of teachers and interpreters.
● A National Captioning Centre will also be set up to provide sub-titling and captioning
services.
● At least one residential special school up to Class XII and one Degree college for the deaf
in every zone should be established to promote their educational development

c) Strengthening Existing Institutions/Programmes
● Central level and Commissioners at the State level needs to be strengthened by providing
professional and budgetary support, granted more autonomy so that their recommendations
are binding on the Centre as well as on State and local level authorities. These offices should
ensure that various Ministries/ Departments effectively perform their functions in relation to
people with disabilities.
● National Institutes be strengthened as Centres of Excellence on par with international
standard.
● Efforts will be made to strengthen and develop trained human resource to address the
growing magnitude of mental disabilities.
● All National Institutes should undertake activities of community outreach to meet the needs
of the disabled people in slums, tribal belts, semi-urban and rural areas.
● During the tenth Plan, only 128 DDRCs were operationalised. The remaining 71 centres will
also be made operational. Concerted effort will be made so that at least 300 districts are
covered under the Scheme.
● To allocate adequate funds for strengthening ADIP Scheme. The income ceiling for availing
assistance will be raised to Rs 10,000 per month. Moreover, the ceiling for purchase/ fitting
of aids and appliances should also be enhanced to Rs 25,000 per month.
● For manufacturing aids and appliances, there is need to enhance the production capacity
and ALIMCO should not be a monopoly supplier. The approach should be to provide the
best possible assistive devices by encouraging multiple manufacturers, and even through
imports.
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(d) Timely issuance of Disability Certificate
● The Health Ministry will ensure that before the end of the Eleventh Plan, every disabled
person possesses a disability certificate.
● A disabled person should be able to get his/her disability certificate within 30 days of making
an application.
(e) Educational Support
● The scholarships provided by the Central Government and stipends for pre-matric education,
mostly provided by the States, should be made equivalent to similar scholarships and
stipends given to students belonging to the SCs and STs.
● The scheme for postgraduate and professional education should be strengthened and
expanded.
● Deserving persons with disabilities should be supported for training/education abroad,
especially in studies relating to disability.
(f) Employment and Reservation for persons with disabilities
● The backlog of vacancies for persons with disability continues to be large, both at the Centre
and in the States. This backlog should be cleared in a time-bound manner and in a campaign
mode.
● Scheme to provide incentives to promote employment for disabled people in the private
sector should be put in place.
(g) Creation of Barrier-free environment
● Concerted effort should be made to make all public buildings and facilities such as schools,
hospitals, public transport, and so on, compliant with the requirements of a barrier-free built
environment.

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY
6.1 Introduction
According to Census 2001, there were 2.19 Crore persons with disabilities in India who constituted
2.13 percent of the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and
mental disabilities. The Census data shows that 75 per cent of persons with disabilities lived in rural areas,
49 per cent are literate, and only 34 per cent are employed. Data collected in 2002 by the National Sample
Survey Organisation, indicated that the number of persons with disabilities was 1.85 Crore, with a
disability-wise break up which was significantly different from the Census 2001 data, as given in the table
below, due to difference in coverage and definitions used for collection of data. The estimated population
of persons with disabilities in 2008, projected on the basis of figures of the last Census, is 2.44 Crore.
Persons with Disability in India- By Type of Disability
Type of Disability Census, 2001 NSSO*, 2002
Population (in Crore) % Population (in Crore) %
Locomotor 0.61 28 0.97 52
Visual 1.06 49 0.25 14
Hearing 0.13 6 0.18 10
Speech 0.16 7 0.09 5
Mental 0.22 10 0.16 9
Multiple - - 0.19 10
Total 2.19 100 1.85 100
*National Sample Survey Organisation
6.2 Statutory Framework
6.2.1 Relevant Constitutional Provisions
The mandate of the Constitution is to ensure equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all
individuals, which implies an inclusive society for all, especially the disadvantaged. Article 41 of Part IV
["Directive Principles of State Policy"] which is particularly relevant with regard to persons with disabilities,
reads as follows:
"41. Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases:
The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective
provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of
unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want."
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In pursuance of the above provision of the Constitution, several initiatives have been taken by
the Government for the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
"Relief of the disabled and unemployable" figures at S. No. 9 in "List II" ("State List") in the Seventh
Schedule of the Constitution.
There are three Acts of the Ministry governing various aspects of disability, which are as follows:-
1. Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992,
2. Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act, 1995; and
3. National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation
and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
Some salient details about the above Acts are given below:
6.2.2 Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992
The Rehabilitation Council of India was set up under this 1992 Act of Parliament. This Council
regulates and monitors the training of rehabilitation professionals and personnel, and promotes research
in rehabilitation and special education. Its functions are as below:
(i) Determining minimum standards of education
(ii) Making recommendations to the Ministry regarding recognition of qualifications granted by
Universities, etc., in India for rehabilitation professionals.
(iii) Making recommendations to the Ministry regarding recognition of qualification by institutions
outside India
(iv) Inspection in examinations
(v) Registration of rehabilitation professionals/other personnel.
(vi) Determining privileges and professional conduct of registered persons.
6.2.3 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act, 1995 (PwD Act)
This is the main Act concerning disability issues in the country.
A meeting to launch the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002, convened by
the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), was held in Beijing in December, 1992.
The Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific
Region was adopted in this meeting, to which India is a signatory. The Central Government enacted The
Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act), 1995 to
implement this proclamation. The Act was enacted under Article 253-("Legislation for giving effect to
international agreements") of the Constitution of India, read with item No. 13 - ("Participation in
international conferences, associations and other bodies and implementing of decisions made thereat")
of the Union List, since the subject "Relief to the disabled" is covered under Item 9 of the State List in
the Constitution of India.
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The PwD Act defines "disability" as blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability,
mental retardation mental illness, and leprosy-cured. It defines persons with disability as those who
have a minimum disability of 40%, as certified by a medical authority. It provides for education,
rehabilitation, employment, non-discrimination and social security for persons with disabilities.
6.2.4 National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation
and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999
A few noteworthy provision of this Act are given below:
6.2.4.1 Constitution of the National Trust for the Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities etc.
The Act, provides for Constitution of the National Trust (Section 3 to 9), a body corporate, to
acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the
said name, sue or be sued. The main objects of the National Trust, as defined under Section 10 are:
● to enable and empower persons with disability to live independently and as fully as possible
within and as close to their community ;
● to extend support to registered organisations (NGOs) to provide need based services;
● to evolve procedures for appointment of guardians and trustees for persons with disabilities;
● to facilitate the realization of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation
of persons with disabilities.
6.2.4.2 Appointment of guardianship
Sections 14 - 17 of the Act provide for appointment of legal guardian of a person with Autism,
Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities.
6.2.4.3 Local level Committees
Section 13 of the Act, provides for Constitution of Local Level Committees (LLC), consisting of -
● an officer of the civil service of the Union or State, not below the rank of District Magistrate;
● a representative of the registered organisation (NGO); and
● a person with disability
The term of a LLC is 3 years or till such time it is reconstituted. LLCs are responsible for
appointment and removal of guardians. The guardians appointed under the Act are responsible for
maintenance of persons with disabilities and his/ her properties.
6.2.5 As mentioned above, "mental illness" is one of the disabilities mentioned in the PwD Act. However,
treatment and care of mentally ill persons is governed by a separate Act called the 'Mental Health Act,
1987', which is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Mental Health Act, 1987 has the following main provisions:
(i) regulate admission to psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes of mentally ill96
persons who do not have sufficient understanding to seek treatment on a voluntary basis,
and to protect the rights of such persons while being detained;
(ii) protect citizens from being detained in psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes
without sufficient cause;
(iii) regulate responsibility for maintenance charges of mentally ill persons who are admitted to
psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes;
(iv) provide facilities for establishing guardianship or custody of mentally ill persons who are
incapable of managing their own affairs;
(v) provide for the establishment of Central Authority and State Authorities for Mental Health
Services;
(vi) lay down the powers of the Government for establishing, licensing and controlling psychiatric
hospitals and psychiatric nursing homes for mentally ill persons;
(vii) provide for legal aid to mentally ill persons at State expense in certain cases.
The terms "psychiatric hospital" and "psychiatric nursing home" defined in the Act include
convalescent homes.
6.3 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006
The National Policy recognizes that Persons with Disabilities are a valuable human resource for
the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal opportunities, protection of
their rights and full participation in society. It is in consonance with the basic principles of equality,
freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals that are enshrined in the Constitution of India and implicitly
mandate an inclusive society for all, including persons with disabilities. The National Policy recognizes the
fact that a majority of persons with disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they have equal
opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures.
The salient features of the National Policy are:
(i) Physical Rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention, counseling and
medical interventions and provision of aids and appliances. It also includes the development
of rehabilitation professionals;
(ii) Educational Rehabilitation which includes vocational training; and
(iii) Economic Rehabilitation, for a dignified life in society.
The following mechanism is in place for implementation of the National Policy:
(i) The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal Ministry to coordinate all matters
relating to implementation of the Policy.
(ii) The Central Coordination Committee, with stakeholder representation, coordinates matters
relating to implementation of the National Policy. There is a similar Committee at the State
level. Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies are associated in the functioning
of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centres. They are required to play a crucial role in the
implementation of the National Policy to address local level issues.
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(iii) The Ministries of Home Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Rural Development, Urban
Development, Youth Affairs & Sports, Railways, Science & Technology, Statistics & Programme
Implementation, Labour, Panchayati Raj and Women & Child Development and Departments
of Elementary Education & Literacy, Secondary & Higher Education, Road Transport &
Highways, Public Enterprises, Revenue, Information Technology and Personnel & Training are
also identified for implementation of the policy.
(iv) The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities at Central level and State Commissioners
at the State level play key role in implementation of National Policy, apart from their statutory
responsibilities.
6.4 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India
signed on 30th March, 2007, was ratified and came into force on 3.05.2008. Three important obligations
arise out of the Convention, namely (a) Implementation of provisions of the UNCRPD, (b) Harmonization
of Indian Laws with the UNCRPD, and (c) Preparation of a Country Report by 2010.
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment wrote to all concerned Central Ministries on
3.5.2008, requesting them to implement the provisions of the UNCRPD, particularly drawing their
attention to the guiding principles (Art. 3), need for awareness raising (Article , and ensuring accessibility
(Article 9), and listing specific articles of the Convention for special attention by identified Ministries. The
need for focus on women and children was also emphasised. The Ministries were also requested to
identify statutes and orders that require amendment in the light of the Convention and to initiate the
process of amendment.
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment also addressed all Chief Ministers of States and
Administrators of UTs on 3.5.08 referring to the guiding principles (Article 3) and the obligations cast on
State Governments and local bodies under Articles 4 - 31 and Article 33, which wholly/significantly pertain
to their areas of responsibility. Their attention was drawn in particular to the following articles of the
UNCRPD - General Obligations(Article 4), Awareness - raising (Article , Accessibility; Personal
Mobility(Article 9 & 20), Liberty and Security of the Person(Article 14), Freedom from exploitation, violence
and abuse(Art. 16), Living independently and being included in the community(Article 19), Education:
Health(Article 24 & 25), Habilitation and Rehabilitation(Article 26), Work and Employment(Article 27),
Adequate Standard of Living and Social Protection(Article 2, and Statistics and Data Collection
(Article 31).
Action is underway for identification of the statutes that require harmonisation with the UNCRPD.
Action for preparing the country report has also commenced.
6.5 Issue of Disability Certificates
The PwD Act, 1995, provides certain benefits to persons with disabilities who have not less than
40% of any disability, as certified by a medical authority. Thus, a person with disability who wishes to avail
the benefits under the Act, has to obtain a disability certificate from the medical authority notified for
the purpose. State Governments are responsible for issuing disability certificates on the basis of
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applications by the persons with disabilities. About a quarter of persons with disability are estimated to
have been issued disability certificates. The certificates are issued on the basis of guidelines framed by
the Ministry. The certification process has been reviewed by the Ministry since the need for simplification
of the process has been expressed by various stakeholders. A simplified procedure has been recommended
by an Expert Committee in 2008, and is expected to be put in place in 2009.
6.6 Meetings of Statutory Committees
6.6.1 Central Coordination Committee
The Central Coordination Committee, constituted under Section 3 of the Persons with Disabilities
(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, is chaired by the Minister for
Social Justice and Empowerment and has official and non-official members, including Members of
Parliament, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities and experts in the field of
disability. It serves as the national focal point on disability matters and facilitates the continuous evolution
of a comprehensive policy towards solving the problems faced by persons with disabilities. It advises the
Central Government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect
to disability and reviews and coordinates the activities of all the Ministries/Departments of Government
and other Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations which are dealing with matters relating
to persons with disabilities. It takes up the cause of persons with disabilities with the concerned
authorities and international organizations with a view to provide for schemes and projects for the
disabled in the national plans and other programmes and policies evolved by the international agencies.
The 12th Meeting of the Central Coordination Committee was held on 27.5.2008. The meeting
was chaired by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The Committee discussed the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2008, status of implementation of the
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, and issues directly impinging on the lives of persons
with disabilities.
6.6.2 Central Executive Committee
The Central Executive Committee, constituted under Section 9 of the Persons with Disabilities Act,
1995, chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is the executive body of the
Central Coordination Committee. It is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Central
Coordination Committee and perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by the Central
Coordination Committee.
The 20th Meeting of the Central Executive Committee was held on 3.11.2008. The meeting
discussed implementation of various provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2008, the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, and the newly
introduced scheme of "Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employments to
Persons with Disabilities". Members of the Committee were requested to widely publicise the new
scheme among Employers and Persons with Disabilities.
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6.7 Rehabilitation
Provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 relating to Rehabilitation
Section 2(w) of the PwD Act, 1995, defines "rehabilitation" as "a process aimed at enabling persons
with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or
social functional levels".
Section 66 of the PwD Act, which deals with rehabilitation, reads as below:
"66. Appropriate Governments and local authorities to undertake rehabilitation
(1) The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall within the limits of their
economic capacity and development undertake or cause to be undertaken rehabilitation of
all persons with disabilities.
(2) For purposes of sub-section (1), the appropriate Government and local authorities shall grant
financial assistance to non-governmental organizations.
(3) The appropriate Governments and local authorities while formulating rehabilitation policies
shall consult the non-governmental organizations working for the cause of persons with
disabilities."
Components of Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities
Some of the main components of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are :
(i) provision of assistive aids and appliances
(ii) education
(iii) vocational training
(iv) assistance for employment
(v) training in or assistance for independent living
Central Government has been providing grant-in-aid to non-governmental organizations over
successive Five Year Plans through various schemes for projects relating to rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities, including the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme that covers components (ii) to (v)
above and the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP),
covering component (i) above.
6.8 Schemes of the Ministry: An Overview
The Ministry is operating various schemes for empowerment and rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities (PwDs). The schemes aim to promote physical, psychological, social, educational and economic
rehabilitation and development of persons with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and also enable
them to lead a life with dignity.
The major schemes for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are:
1. Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances
(ADIP)- aims at physical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities through provision of
assistive aids and appliances.
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2 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)- an umbrella scheme that addresses
all aspects of rehabilitation and includes projects covering various services ranging from
programmes for pre-school and early intervention to rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons.
3 Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act- under the scheme funds
are provided for projects to make public buildings barrier-free, support to the institutions
at regional and district level providing services to persons with disabilities and the creation
of awareness on related issues.
4 Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employment to
Persons with Disabilities- This is a new scheme, launched in 2008-09, under which payment
of employer's contribution to the Employees Provident Fund and the Employees State
Insurance Corporation for the first three years, is made by the Government of India, in respect
of persons with disability appointed in the private sector on or after1st April, 2008, with
monthly emoluments of up to Rs.25,000.
There are schemes to support various organizations of the Ministry that are involved in different
aspects of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, as given below:
1. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Cooperation of India (ALIMCO)- Funds are provided to this
Corporation for modernization.
2. Rehabilitation Council of India- The Council is provided financial support to perform its
functions regarding regulation of training of rehabilitation professionals.
3. National Institutes- Support is provided for activities of seven Institutes (autonomous
bodies) for different types of disabilities engaged in human resource development,
rehabilitation and research and development.
4. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation- Equity support is given
to this Corporation. The Corporation provides loans at concessional rates to persons with
disabilities for education, skill development and self-employment ventures.
6.9 Central Sector Schemes of the Ministry
6.9.1 Scheme of Assistance To Disabled Persons For Purchase/Fitting Of Aids/Appliances (ADIP)
The main objective of the Scheme is to provide grant in aid to various implementing agencies
(NGOs/NIs/District Disability Rehabilitation Centres/ALIMCO/State Handicapped Development Corporation/
other local bodies) to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and
scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social
and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic
potential. The aids and appliances supplied under the Scheme must conform to the standards prescribed
by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The scheme also envisages conduct of corrective surgeries, whenever
required, before providing an assistive device.
From the year 2007-08, a new approach for district-wise allocation of funds to organize disability
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Corrective surgery being performed on Polio Patient
Polio patient using specialized walker
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Distribution of aids and appliances to persons with disabilities at Collectorate on 16.02.2009
VKM Special School for Mentally Handicapped, Poramannur, Valacherry, Kerala
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camps for distribution of aids and appliance has been adopted to ensure coverage throughout the
country.
During 2008-09, against the annual outlay of Rs. 79 Crores, Rs. 60.22 Crores expenditure was
incurred. Approximately 2 lakhs persons with disabilities are provided assistive devices under the
scheme every year. During 2008-09, funds under the ADIP Scheme were utilized for the following
purposes:
(a) ADIP-SSA
Under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan Scheme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development(MHRD),
assistive aids and appliances are distributed to the School children below 14 years of age. In
accordance with the agreement between the MHRD and this Ministry, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation of India, the implementing agency is reimbursed 40% of the expenditure in this
regard by the MHRD and 60% by this Ministry through grants-in-aid under the ADIP Scheme.
(b) District-wise Camps
Under the ADIP Scheme, grants are also released for holding camps by the Implementing
Agencies in each district for distribution of assistive aids and devices.
(c) Special Camps
Special camps are held on occasional basis whenever the demand arises.
(d) Headquarters Activity
(i) Grants-in-aid are sanctioned for activites under ADIP at the Headquarters of the National
Institutes, their Regional Centre and Composite Regional Centre.
(ii) Some well established NGOs have Centres/Subcentres which carry out OPD activities and
also undertake corrective surgery for persons with disability. Many disabled persons
approach their centres/subcentres for assistive aids and devices. Therefore, ADIP Grant is
released for HQ activities of such NGO also.
Financial and physical achievements for the last three financial years under the scheme are as
under:-
Year Budget allocation Amount released No. of NGOs No. of
(Rs. in Crore) (Rs. in Crore) assisted beneficiaries
2006-07 71.20 67.59 84 3,07,000
2007-08 70.00 49.08 98 2,24,990
2008-09 79.00 60.22 81 —
A statement showing State-wise list indicating number of districts covered in 2008-09 under ADIP
Scheme is given at Annex-6.1.
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District-wise list of implementing agencies given grant under ADIP during the 2008-09 is at
Annex-6.2.
6.9.2 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme
The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) of this Ministry is a Central Sector Scheme
that includes projects for providing education and vocational training and rehabilitation of persons with
orthopedic, speech, visual and mental disabilities. The Scheme is being implemented since 1999 with the
objective of ensuring effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, by creating an
enabling environment and encouraging non - governmental organizations through financial assistance
for undertaking projects for the empowerment of the persons with disabilities.
DDRS guidelines, applicable since 1.4.2003, include 19 model projects covering various services
provided by voluntary agencies which can be supported through grants-in-aid. The services provided
include:
i) programmes for pre-school and early intervention
ii) special education,
iii) vocational training and placement
iv) community based rehabilitation
v) manpower development
vi) psycho-social rehabilitation of persons with mental illness
vii) rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons, etc.
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres set up by the Ministry are also funded under this scheme
after they being in operation for a period of five years in respect of such centres set up in Jammu &
Kashmir or North East and three years in the rest of the country and handed over to a suitable
implementing agencies (which include NGOs) in the District for its further continuance and maintenance.
The list of non governmental organizations that have received assistance under the scheme of
DDRS during 2008-09 is at Annex-6.3.
Details of financial and physical targets and achievements in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 under
the DDRS scheme are as indicated below:
Year Budget Allocation Expenditure No. of Beneficiaries
(Rs. crore) (Rs. crore) (in lakh)
2006-07 90 54.60 1.26
2007-08 70 70.30 1.93
2008-09 70 64.70 1.97
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6.9.3 State-wise Physical & Financial Progress under ADIP and DDRS during 2008-09
ADIP
State-wise utilization of funds under the scheme is at Annex-6.4.
Summary of release of grants under ADIP is as under:
Release of grants under ADIP Scheme for different activities
S. No. Activities Release of grants (in Rs. Crore)
1. Head Quarter Activity 13.85
2. Special Camp 4.77
3. SSA Activity 15.00
4. Camp Activity 26.60
Total 60.22
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DDRS
It was observed that during the 10th Plan period, the State-wise distribution of grant-in-aid under
DDRS was skewed, e.g., the State of Andhra Pradesh accounted for only 6% of the population of persons
with disabilities but took about 24% of the grant, while Karnataka accounted for only 4% of the
population and took 12 % of the total grant. State-wise details of expenditure under the scheme in 2008-
09 is given at Annex-6.5.
6.9.4 Scheme of Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of
Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995
Grant-in-aid is provided under this Scheme to various bodies set up by the Central Government
and State Government, including autonomous bodies and Universities, to support activities relating
to implementation of the provisions of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection
of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, particularly relating to rehabilitation and provision of barrierfree
access. The District Disability Rehabilitation Centres and Composite Rehabilitation Centres set up
by the Ministry are provided support under this scheme. The range of activities for which grant in
aid is provided with regard to barrier free access is wide, including ramps, lifts, tactile paths, new product
development and research. The expenditure on this scheme in 2008-09 was Rs.8.45 Crores. List of
projects funded under the schemes for implementation of this Act is at Annex-6.6
6.9.5 Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)
ALIMCO was set up in 1972 by the Government of India under Section 25 of the Companies
Act, 1956. The authorized capital and paid up capital as on 31.3.2009 were Rs. 3.00 lakh and Rs. 196.50
lakh respectively. The entire paid up share capital is held by the Government of India in the name
of the President of India. It is a "Not for Profit" company with the mission that "Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities and restoration of their dignity by way of manufacturing and supplying durable,
sophisticated, scientifically manufactured, modern and ISI standard quality assistive aids and appliances
that can promote physical, psychological, social, economic and vocational rehabilitation by reducing
the effect of disabilities and enhancing potential for self-dependence". ALIMCO, an ISO 9001:2000
company, is the premier and the largest manufacturer of quality disability Aids & Appliances in whole
of South Asia. The Corporation has been exporting its products to Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Combodia, Ghana, Hongkong, Israel, Namibia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE,
Uzbekistan and USA.
The value of production has increased from Rs.46.82 Crores in 2006-07 to Rs.52.30 Crores in
2008-09. Similarly, the value of sales has increased from Rs.48.88 Crores in 2006-07 to Rs.52.44 Crores
in 2008-09. The break-up of Production & sales of the Corporation in the year 2008-09 is given Annex-
6.7. The highest production is of crutches (69,133) followed by tricycles (68,718). Under ADIP Scheme,
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Rs.7.13 Crores has been utilized in 2008-09. Under ADIP-SSA Rs.19.18 Crores has been utilized in
2008-09.
Some basic details about the Corporation are as follows:
1. Year of Establishment : 1972
2. Campus Area : 44 Acres
3. Regional Marketing Offices : New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata
4. Auxiliary Production Centre : Bhubaneshwar, Jabalpur, Bangalore and Chanalon
(APC) (Punjab) - (Production at APC, Chanalon, is likely to
start within six months
5. ALIMCO Outreach Centre : Guwahati
6.9.6 Support to Rehabilitation Council of India
Plan support is provided to the Rehabilitation Council of India for their activities. In 2008-09, an
expenditure of Rs. 3 Crores was incurred for this purpose.
6.10 National Institutes
6.10.1 Introduction
There are seven National Institutes under this Ministry working in the field of disability. National
Institutes are autonomous bodies established for different types of disabilities. These institutes are
engaged in Human Resources Development in the field of disability, providing rehabilitation services to
the persons with disabilities and Research and Development efforts. The seven National Institutes are as
follows:-
1. Nation Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun
2. National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai
3. Swami Vivekanand National Institute for the Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SVNIRTAR),
Cuttack
4. National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (NIHH), Mumbai
5. National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad
6. National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped (NIOH), Kolkata
7. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped, IPH, New Delhi.
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Some basic details about the seven National Institutes are tabulated below:-
S. National Institute Year of Campus Regional Centres Composite Regional
No. establi- area (RCs)/Regional Centre, if any under
shment (in acres) Chapters, if any the National
Institutes
1 Nation Institute for the 1979 43 One RC (Chennai) One [Sundernagar
Visually Handicapped Two Regional (HP)]
(NIVH) Chapters (Kolkata
& Secunderabad)
2 National Institute for the 1983 4.77 4 RCs (Kolkata, One (Bhopal)
Hearing Handicapped Secunderabad,
(NIHH) New Delhi,
Bhubaneshwar)
3 National Institute for the 1978 3.0 2 RCs (Dehradun One (Patna)
Orthopaedically & Aizwal)
Handicapped (NIOH)
4 Swami Vivekanand National 1975 26.66 None One (Guwahati)
Institute for the Rehabilitation
5 Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya 1960 1.5 One RC Two (Lucknow &
Institute for the Physically (Secundrabad) Srinagar)
Handicapped
6 National Institute for the 1984 19.33 3 RCs (Delhi, Nil
Mentally Handicapped Mumbai & Kolkata)
(NIMH)
7 National Institute for 2005 15.2 Nil Nil
Empowerment of Persons
with Multiple Disabilities
(NIEPMD)
These National Institutes including their regional centres and composite regional centres run 75
courses of one year or more duration. Largest number of courses were run by National Institute for the
Orthopedically Handicapped, (NIOH), Kolkata. Taking into account the courses being run by the Institute,
its Regional Centres, Composite Regional Centres, National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (NIHH),
Mumbai and National Institute of Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH) Secunderabad run the maximum
number of courses. Numerical abstract of number of courses, number of seats and number of students
enrolled in each National Institute is given at Annex-6.8. The details of the courses (other than shortterm
courses) are given in Annex-6.9.
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Approximately five lakh persons were provided rehabilitation services by National Institutes
during 2008-09. Largest number of patients were dealt by National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped
(NIMH), Secunderabad followed by National Institute for Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR),
Cuttack & National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun. Institute-wise number of
persons provided rehabilitation services/ treatment is given below:
S. National Institutes Number of persons Number of persons Total
No. provided rehabilitation provided services
services at the during outreach
Institutes and their activities
Regional Centres
Follow-up New Follow-up New
cases cases cases cases
1. National Institute for the
Visually Handicapped 2,222 59,986 Nil 22,279 84,487
2. National Institute for
Empowerment of Persons
with Multiple Disabilities 10,878 462 5927 7196 24,463
3. Swami Vivekanand
National Institute for
the Rehabilitation,
Training and Research 75,904 34,719 Nil 5,025 1,15,648
4. National Institute for
the Hearing
Handicapped 56,795 15,919 Nil 8,572 81,286
5. National Institute for
the Mentally
Handicapped 1,10,137 7,443 Nil 2,545 1,20,125
6. National Institute for
the Orthopaedically
Handicapped 25,049 20,325 Nil 8,544 53,918
7. Pt. Deendayal
Upadhyaya Institute
for the Physically
Handicapped 10,757 3,103 2,986 2,968 17,362
Total 2,91,742 1,41,957 8,913 57,129 4,99,741
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The details of each National Institute are given below.
6.10.2 National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, (NIVH), Dehradun
The main objectives of the Institute are to undertake or sponsor the training of trainers and
rehabilitation professionals, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidies research into biomedical
engineering leading to the effective evaluation of special appliances/instruments or suitable surgical or
medical procedures or the development of new special appliances/instruments.
The Institute's HRD activity comprises of diploma and degree level courses in special education
orientation and mobility. Short-term training programs are also run with the sole aim of improving
capacity of major institutions and of individuals providing services to general public and persons with
disabilities in particular. The Institute is also conducting vocational training courses (short term courses)
both for the educated and less educated for blind persons in the field of computer application and
programming Braille Short hand (Hindi), Executive Secretaryships, Light Engineering, Electronic Assembly
etc. The institute trained 944 Special Education Teachers & Mobility Instructors in the year 2008-09. The
institute provided vocational training to 283 (167 completed & 116 on roll) visually impaired persons in
the year 2008-09
Fabrication of foldable white canes at NIVH, Dehradun
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Rehabilitation is provided through visual assessment and treatment, training in adjustment in
blindness, training in independent living skill and provision of assistive devices.
The Institute's Model School for the Visually Handicapped provides education to blind, low vision
and visually impaired children with additional disabilities from pre-school up to class XII.
The Institute maintains a National Talking Book Library. The books are recorded on cassettes and
CDs. Approximately 16,123 visually impaired persons utilized services of Talking Book Library in the year
2008-09.
The Institute's Library for the print handicapped is largest library of its kind in the country. The
Braille & Print Library of the Institute benefited 8029 Blind members & scholars in the year 2008-09.
The Institute is engaged in production and distribution of aids and appliances for education,
recreation and rehabilitation purposes. The workshop for the manufacture of Braille Appliances provided
various Braille Appliances to 363 Institutions and 25,099 individuals in the year 2008-09.
ADIP camp at Tawang
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The Institute's Central Braille Press is the oldest Braille Press in the country, which produces
textbooks, reference books and literature of general interest for the visually impaired persons. The Central
Braille Press published 393 Titles in the year 2008-09.
6.10.3 Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, (AYJNIHH) Mumbai
The Institute has been established with the objectives of manpower development, research,
clinical services, outreach & extension services, socio-economic rehabilitation services, material development
and collection of information, documentation and dissemination of information for physically handicapped.
The Institute runs graduate and post-graduate courses in the field of hearing impairment, speech
language pathology and audiology. It also runs short term courses in Indian sign language.
NIHH provides comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, educational and vocational services to
persons with hearing handicap. The NIHH provides rehabilitation services through evaluation and
diagnosis of hearing, speech and language impairment, selection and fitting of hearing aids and ear
NIVH – Talking Book Library
Recording of Talking Book in progress
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moulds, psychological evaluation, educational evaluation, psychotherapy and behaviour therapy, speech
and language therapy.
NIHH was given accreditation as a National Institute of Open Schooling - SAIED (Special
Accredited Institution for Education for the Disadvantaged) Centre. This is the only SAIED for persons with
Hearing Impairment in India.
The NIHH runs the Indian Sign Language Cell for development of teaching materials to teach
Indian Sign Language (ISL), training of ISL interpreters, to train deaf persons to become sign language
teachers, development of bilingual programme (sign and spoken language), sign language training for
hearing staff at educational institutions, for hearing parents and family members and documentation of
sign language vocabulary used in different regions of the country and their variations.
During the reporting year, AYJNIHH implemented Disability Information Line (DIL) in the state of
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Action is being initiated to launch DIL at Guwahati covering
North Eastern Region States in collaboration with Manfort School, Guwahati.
6.10.4 National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, (NIOH) Kolkata
The Institute was established with the objective of Human Resource Development to develop
manpower for providing services to the Orthopaedically Handicapped population.
The Institute runs Graduate courses in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and
Orthotics. It runs a Post-graduate Diploma Course in Disability Rehabilitation and Management. Besides
other Diploma Course and Certificate Courses are run in the field of multipurpose rehabilitation,
Prosthetics and Orthotics.
It provides services in the area of rehabilitation, restorative surgery, aids & appliances and
vocational training to the persons with disability. The Institute provided medical rehabilitation services
with 65 bed indoor facility benefiting more than 250 indoor patients during the year 2008-09. The
institute did more than 1300 such surgeries during 2008-09.
6.10.5 Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training & Research, (SVNIRTAR)
Cuttack
The objective of the Institute is human resource development, implementation of service delivery
programmes, research and outreach programmes.
It undertakes, sponsors and coordinates the training of personnel such as Doctors, Engineers,
Prosthetists, Orthotists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Multipurpose rehabilitation therapists
and such other personnel for rehabilitation of the physically handicapped.
To meet the growing demand of trained manpower in the field of locomotor disability, the
Institute conducts Graduate and Post graduate courses in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics
and Orthotics.
To motivate the professionals/NGOs and to update their knowledge on Community Based
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Rehabilitation, the Institute conducts Short Orientation Courses, Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Programmes, Workshop and Seminars in the field of Rehabilitation.
SVNIRTAR provides services to the Physically Challenged Persons. Services provided are Surgical
Correction of Orthopaedically Deformities, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. The
Institute carries out fitment of Artificial Limbs and supplies Mobility Aids and Appliances such as
Wheelchairs and Tricycles etc. at the Institute and through camps organized not only in the remote
localities of Tribal Areas of Orissa state but also in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal, U.P., Bihar,
MP, Chhatishgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Camps organized for rehabilitation of victims affected by floods in Kosi river, Bihar by NIMH, NIOH and
SVNIRTAR from 8.8.2008 to 2.3.2009
6.10.6 Pt. Deendayal Upadhayay Institute for the Physically Handicapped, (PDUIPH) New Delhi
Major objective of the Institute is to develop trained manpower for rehabilitation of orthopaedically
disabled persons, provide outreach services and conduct research.
The Institute runs three long term graduate level courses -Bachelor of Physical Therapy(BPT),
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Bachelor of Prosthetics & Orthotics (BPO).
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For rehabilitation, the Institute provides physical therapy, occupation therapy and speech therapy.
The Institute has a Prosthetic & Orthotic Workshop for manufacture of assistive aids and
appliances. The Workshop caters to fitment services to persons with disabilities.
The Institute runs an Integrated primary school which is recognized by the Education Department
of Municipal Corporation of Delhi upto primary level, having a strength of 52 students.
The Institute is also having a medium sized Printing Press catering to the publication needs of
the Institute, Ministry of SJ&E, and other Govt. Departments. During the year 2008-09, it accomplished
102 job orders.
Some basic details about the Institute are as follows:
1. Year of Establishment - 1960
2. Campus Area - 1.5 acres
3. No. of CRCs attached - 2 (Lucknow & Srinagar)
4. Regional Centres - 1 (Southern Regional Centre, Secunderabad)
6.10.7 National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH) Secunderabad
The Institute has been established with the objective to prepare human resources equipped to
deliver services through quality models of rehabilitation, based on life cycle needs. The institute is an
apex body having tripartite functions of training, research and services in the field of mental retardations
in the country.
The NIMH runs Diploma, Graduate and Post Graduate courses in the field of mental retardation
community-based rehabilitation, rehabilitation therapeutics, early intervention and rehabilitation
psychology. B.Ed program in special education are run keeping in view need for special teacher at various
levels. It also runs M. Phil program in Special Education (mental retardation ) to prepare candidates to
take up research and training of manpower in field of mental retardation. The M. Phil (Rehabilitation
Psychology) prepares professionals to be able to provide comprehensive services to persons with mental
retardation.
The rehabilitation of persons with mental retardation is provided through Early Intervention
Services, Physiotherapy/Ortho, Biochemistry, Speech & Audiology, Psychological Assessment, Behaviour
Modification, Parent Counseling and vocational assessment services etc. The Institute also develops
models for rehabilitation and care.
NIMH has a Model Special Education Centre in New Delhi. It serves as a laboratory for the training
programmes of human resource development of the Institute. The special education centre has been
established to serve as a lab to provide practical exposure to the pre-services and in-service trainees. The
centre enrolls children in the age range of 3 years to 18 years including children with varying degrees
of mental retardation.
A Programme plan for home based training and demonstrations are given to parents for home
management for persons coming from outstation, family cottage facility as made available.
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6.10.8 National Institute for Empowerment for Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD),
Chennai
The objective of the Institute is to serve as a National Resource Centre for empowerment of
persons with multiple disabilities having more than one disability as mentioned in the Persons with
Disabilities Act. This institute has been set up to provide need based comprehensive rehabilitation
through team approach facilitating inclusion, ensuring empowerment of persons with multiple disabilities
and their families by substantiating field based research and development of human resources. Keeping
in view the limited availability of services in the field of multiple disabilities, the Institute undertakes
human resource development stimulate the growth of services to persons with multiple disabilities.
The Institute runs two long term courses. The diploma in special education (Cerebral Palsy) is
designed to train persons who are competent to work with children who have neurological disabilities.
The diploma in special education (Deaf Blind) is aimed at preparing special teachers, who are competent
in screening, educational assessment, and programming including teaching, training and management
of children with deaf-blindness.
The rehabilitation of persons with multiple disabilities is provided through early intervention
services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special education, psychology intervention. audiology &
speech pathology and sensory intervention.
Presently, the Institute working in a temporary structure building. The construction of a barrier
free and environment friendly building with state-of-art facilities has been approved at a cost of Rs. 38.80
crore.
6.11 Regional and District-level Centres for Persons with Disabilities
6.11.1 Composite Regional Centre (CRC)
Consequent to the enactment of the Persons With Disability Act (PWD),1995 which enjoins upon
the government a responsibility for taking up steps for providing an enabling environment for Persons
With Disabilities, Scheme of setting up CRCs was formulated. The scheme of setting up of Composite
Regional Centres is a part of overall strategy to reach out to the persons with disabilities in the country
and to facilitate the creation of the required infrastructure and capacity building at Central, State and
District levels and below for awareness generation, training of rehabilitation professionals, service delivery
etc. It was thought that initiative from the Central Government is necessary by supporting establishment
of CRCs in order to speed up the process of establishing rehabilitation services and sharing with the State
Government the innovative modal of services developed by National Institutes, Regional Rehabilitation
and Training Centres, DDRCs, etc and also to do capacity building, to establish, strengthen and upgrade
rehabilitation services to reach unreached disabled population. Centres were proposed to be set up
at locations where the existing infrastructure for providing comprehensive services to disabled were
inadequate and where such centres are needed the most.
At present, there are six CRCs functioning at Sundernagar, Srinagar, Lucknow, Guwahati, Patna and
Bhopal.
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6.11.2 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
As part of overall strategy to provide comprehensive services to persons with disabilities at the
grass root level, The Ministry with active support from State Governments is facilitating creation of the
infrastructure and capacity building at district level for awareness generation, rehabilitation, training and
guiding of grass root level functionaries, through setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
(DDRCs) in all unserved districts of the country.
6.11.2.1 Objectives of DDRCs
DDRCs are provided financial, infrastructure, administrative and technical support by the Central
and State Governments, so that they are able to provide rehabilitative support to persons with disabilities
in the district. The Objectives of the DDRCs are as follows:
● Survey and identification of persons with disability through camp approach;
● Awareness Generation for encouraging and enhancing prevention of disabilities, early
intervention and intervention etc;
● Early Intervention;
● Assessment of need of assistive devices, provision/ fitment of assistive devices, follow up/
repair of assistive devices;
● Therapeutic Services e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupation Therapy, Speech Therapy etc.;
● Facilitation of Disability Certificates, bus passes and other concessions and facilities for
persons with disabilities;
● Referral and arrangements for surgical correction through Government and Charitable
institutes;
● Arrangement of loans for self employment, through Banks and other financial institutions
including State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of NHFDC;
● Counseling of disabled, their parents and family members;
● Promotion of barrier-free environment;
● To provide supportive and complementary services to promote education, vocational
training and employment for persons with disabilities through:-
- Providing orientation training to teachers, community and families
- Providing training to persons with disabilities for early motivation and early stimulation
for education, vocational training and employment
- Identifying suitable vocations for persons wit disabilities, keeping in view local resources
and designing and providing vocational training and identifying suitable jobs, so as to
make them economically independent
- Provide referral services for existing educational, training and vocational institutions
6.11.2.2 Funding to DDRCs
DDRCs are funded by the Central Government, through the plan scheme "Scheme for
Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
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Act, 1995," (SIPDA) initially for a period of 5 years for DDRCs located in Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern
region, and for three years in other States and Union Territories. Thereafter, DDRCs are funded,
on 10% tapering basis, under the plan scheme "Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)".
State/ UT Governments have to provide rent free building and infrastructure support to DDRCs. DDRCs
are also eligible to receive grants under the plan scheme of the Ministry "Assistance to Disabled Persons
for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme". The DDRC scheme started in the Ninth Five Year
Plan and is continuing in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
At present, 199 DDRCs have been sanctioned, out of which, 171 DDRCs are functional and
providing rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. Remaining 26 are in formative stages. In
order to make DDRCs more effective, the DDRC scheme is currently under revision, with higher cost norms
and better provisioning.
State-wise number of DDRCs by category is at Annex-6.10.
6.12 Economic Empowerment
6.12.1 National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation
6.12.1.1 Introduction
The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) was set up on 24th
January 1997. It is registered under Section 25 of the Company Act, 1956 as a company not for profit.
It is wholly owned by Government of India and has an authorised share capital of Rs. 400 Crores (Rupees
Four Hundred Crore only) & paid up capital is Rs.107.80 Crore. The company is managed by Board of
Directors nominated by Government of India.
6.12.1.2 Objectives
a) To promote economic development activities and self-employment ventures for the benefit
of persons with disability.
b) To extend loan to the persons with disability for up gradation of their entrepreneurial skill
for proper and efficient management of self-employment ventures.
c) To extend loans to persons with disability for pursuing professional/technical education,
leading to vocational rehabilitation/self-employment.
d) To assist self-employed persons with disability in marketing their produce.
6.12.1.3 Functioning & Procedure:
NHFDC functions as an apex institution, for channelising the funds to persons with disabilities,
through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), nominated by the State Government(s) or through Non
Government Organisations (under Micro Credit Scheme). NHFDC offers financial assistance, in the form
of concessional loans on convenient terms, for setting up an income generating activity, to all eligible
Indian Citizens with 40% or more disability, between 18-60 years of age, having annual income below
Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakh only) per annum in urban areas and Rs.1,60,000/- (Rupees One Lakh &
Sixty Thousand only) per annum in rural areas. The limit of loans offered, ranges from small loans upto
119
Rs. 5.00 lakh, education loans upto Rs. 7.50 lakh for courses in India and Rs. 15.00 lakh for courses abroad,
rate of interest varies from 5% to 8% per annum. A rebate of 1% on interest is allowed to women with
disabilities in all schemes.
6.12.1.4 Performance During 2008-2009
Physical and Financial Achievement of the Corporation in the last three years is given below:
S. No. Year Amount Sanctioned Amount Disbursed Number of
(in Rs. Lakhs) (in Rs. Lakhs) Beneficiaries
1 2006-2007 2728.17 2608.01 4831
2 2007-2008 3381.62 2830.37 5498
3 2008-2009 4121.82 3028.69 6086
Total 10231.61 8467.07 16415
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Smt. Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, accompanied by
Shri M. Ravikanth, CMD, NHFDC, is greeted by a participant of Shilpotsav, 2008
120
6.12.1.5 Liberalization of Lending Policy of NHFDC to enhance its effectiveness and reach
● Delegation of authority: for sanction and disbursement of projects by SCAs raised from
Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh per project.
● Eligibility of income criteria : from Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum to Rs.2.0 lakh per annum for
urban areas & Rs. 80,000/- p.a. to Rs. 1.60 lakh p.a. for rural areas.
● Increase in maximum Age limit: of beneficiaries from 55 years to 60 years.
● Revision of the scheme of Entrepreneurial and Skill Development Programmes (EDP):
The EDP Scheme has been revised with facility of 100% of expenditure as grant, including
stipend of Rs.500/- per month per trainee. Maximum duration of training has also been
enhanced from 3 months to 6 months.
6.12.1.6 New Collaborative arrangement with the State Channelizing Agencies of North East &
Eastern region
● The Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. started sending proposals & NHFDC has released
Rs.25 lakh as advance fund for estimated 90 beneficiaries.
● Sikkim SC Tribes & OBC Development Corporation started sending proposals & NHFDC has
released Rs.15 lakh as advance fund for estimated 54 beneficiaries.
● Jharkhand State Tribal Cooperative Development Corporation started sending proposals &
NHFDC has released Rs.74.01 lakh for 53 beneficiaries.
● Government of Meghalaya has given Block Government Guarantee of Rs.1.0 Crore in respect
of SCA i.e. Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. & the SCA is expected to send proposals
under NHFDC schemes.
● Government of Mizoram has nominated Mizoram Rural Bank as the SCA of NHFDC and it
has signed General Loan Agreement with NHFDC & is expected to send proposals under
NHFDC schemes.
6.12.1.7 Conferences & Workshops of SCAs:
NHFDC has organized one National Level Conference of its all State Channelising Agencies (SCAs)
on 18.9.2008. Regional Workshops of SCAs of Northern Region was organized at Chandigarh on
31.10.2008 and North-Eastern & Eastern Region at Gangtok on 11.11.2008.
6.12.1.8 Exhibition/Awareness Camps:
Exhibition held from 28.11.08 to 01.12.08 at Sasaram, Bihar organized by Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment & coordinated by NHFDC. Hon`ble Minster of SJ&E visited the camp on 01.12.08.
6.12.2 Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employment to
Persons with Disabilities
The "Scheme of Incentives to Employers in Private Sector for providing Employment to Persons
with Disabilities" was introduced by this Ministry from 1st April, 2008. It envisages payment of employer's
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contribution to the Employees Provident Fund and the Employees State Insurance Corporation for the
first three years by the Government of India, in respect of persons with disability appointed on or after1st
April, 2008, with monthly emoluments of upto Rs.25,000. In the first year of its implementation, the main
focus was on publicity. Various apex organizations of Indian industry are actively involved in facilitating
implementation of the scheme. A High Level Monitoring Committee chaired by the Secretaries of this
Ministry and the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been constituted to monitor the implementation
of the scheme. In 2008-09, the expenditure on the scheme was Rs. 6.5 Crores. Details of expenditure
incurred are given at Annex-6.11.
6.13 National Awards for Persons with Disabilities
The National Awards are conferred on the persons with disabilities having outstanding
achievements and the individuals and organisations that are working for the empowerment of persons
with disabilities. These awards have been instituted with the objective to focus public attention on the
issues concerning persons with disabilities and to promote their mainstreaming in the society. The awards
are given away on 3rd of December every year, which has been declared as International Day of Disabled
Persons. The abstract of the Awards under the scheme of National Awards is at Annex-6.12.
Shri Sumant Misra receiving “Sportperson Award” at the Vayo Shrestha Samman held on
12.01.2009 at New Delhi
122
Award winning disabled artiste

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx

The strategies for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are given as under:
(a) Review of Existing Laws
● There is an urgent need to review all the four disability legislations and to amend them
suitably to bring them in consonance with UNCRPD.
(b) Setting up New Institutions
● The Disability Division of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment should be strengthen
23
by converting into a separate department so that it can liaise effectively with all other
concerned Ministries/Departments and fulfil its responsibilities towards the disabled.
● To promote greater accessibility and a barrier-free environment to the disabled, a new
National Institute of Universal Design will be set up.
● Disability units will be set up in the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council
for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and all other apex education bodies.
● A National Centre to facilitate and support the development of universal design and barrierfree
built environment will be established.
● Sign Language Research and Training Centre will be established which will be devoted to
the development and promotion of sign language and training of teachers and interpreters.
● A National Captioning Centre will also be set up to provide sub-titling and captioning
services.
● At least one residential special school up to Class XII and one Degree college for the deaf
in every zone should be established to promote their educational development

c) Strengthening Existing Institutions/Programmes
● Central level and Commissioners at the State level needs to be strengthened by providing
professional and budgetary support, granted more autonomy so that their recommendations
are binding on the Centre as well as on State and local level authorities. These offices should
ensure that various Ministries/ Departments effectively perform their functions in relation to
people with disabilities.
● National Institutes be strengthened as Centres of Excellence on par with international
standard.
● Efforts will be made to strengthen and develop trained human resource to address the
growing magnitude of mental disabilities.
● All National Institutes should undertake activities of community outreach to meet the needs
of the disabled people in slums, tribal belts, semi-urban and rural areas.
● During the tenth Plan, only 128 DDRCs were operationalised. The remaining 71 centres will
also be made operational. Concerted effort will be made so that at least 300 districts are
covered under the Scheme.
● To allocate adequate funds for strengthening ADIP Scheme. The income ceiling for availing
assistance will be raised to Rs 10,000 per month. Moreover, the ceiling for purchase/ fitting
of aids and appliances should also be enhanced to Rs 25,000 per month.
● For manufacturing aids and appliances, there is need to enhance the production capacity
and ALIMCO should not be a monopoly supplier. The approach should be to provide the
best possible assistive devices by encouraging multiple manufacturers, and even through
imports.
24
(d) Timely issuance of Disability Certificate
● The Health Ministry will ensure that before the end of the Eleventh Plan, every disabled
person possesses a disability certificate.
● A disabled person should be able to get his/her disability certificate within 30 days of making
an application.
(e) Educational Support
● The scholarships provided by the Central Government and stipends for pre-matric education,
mostly provided by the States, should be made equivalent to similar scholarships and
stipends given to students belonging to the SCs and STs.
● The scheme for postgraduate and professional education should be strengthened and
expanded.
● Deserving persons with disabilities should be supported for training/education abroad,
especially in studies relating to disability.
(f) Employment and Reservation for persons with disabilities
● The backlog of vacancies for persons with disability continues to be large, both at the Centre
and in the States. This backlog should be cleared in a time-bound manner and in a campaign
mode.
● Scheme to provide incentives to promote employment for disabled people in the private
sector should be put in place.
(g) Creation of Barrier-free environment
● Concerted effort should be made to make all public buildings and facilities such as schools,
hospitals, public transport, and so on, compliant with the requirements of a barrier-free built
environment.

CHAPTER 6 - DISABILITY
6.1 Introduction
According to Census 2001, there were 2.19 Crore persons with disabilities in India who constituted
2.13 percent of the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and
mental disabilities. The Census data shows that 75 per cent of persons with disabilities lived in rural areas,
49 per cent are literate, and only 34 per cent are employed. Data collected in 2002 by the National Sample
Survey Organisation, indicated that the number of persons with disabilities was 1.85 Crore, with a
disability-wise break up which was significantly different from the Census 2001 data, as given in the table
below, due to difference in coverage and definitions used for collection of data. The estimated population
of persons with disabilities in 2008, projected on the basis of figures of the last Census, is 2.44 Crore.
Persons with Disability in India- By Type of Disability
Type of Disability Census, 2001 NSSO*, 2002
Population (in Crore) % Population (in Crore) %
Locomotor 0.61 28 0.97 52
Visual 1.06 49 0.25 14
Hearing 0.13 6 0.18 10
Speech 0.16 7 0.09 5
Mental 0.22 10 0.16 9
Multiple - - 0.19 10
Total 2.19 100 1.85 100
*National Sample Survey Organisation
6.2 Statutory Framework
6.2.1 Relevant Constitutional Provisions
The mandate of the Constitution is to ensure equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all
individuals, which implies an inclusive society for all, especially the disadvantaged. Article 41 of Part IV
["Directive Principles of State Policy"] which is particularly relevant with regard to persons with disabilities,
reads as follows:
"41. Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases:
The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective
provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of
unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want."
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In pursuance of the above provision of the Constitution, several initiatives have been taken by
the Government for the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
"Relief of the disabled and unemployable" figures at S. No. 9 in "List II" ("State List") in the Seventh
Schedule of the Constitution.
There are three Acts of the Ministry governing various aspects of disability, which are as follows:-
1. Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992,
2. Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act, 1995; and
3. National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation
and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
Some salient details about the above Acts are given below:
6.2.2 Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992
The Rehabilitation Council of India was set up under this 1992 Act of Parliament. This Council
regulates and monitors the training of rehabilitation professionals and personnel, and promotes research
in rehabilitation and special education. Its functions are as below:
(i) Determining minimum standards of education
(ii) Making recommendations to the Ministry regarding recognition of qualifications granted by
Universities, etc., in India for rehabilitation professionals.
(iii) Making recommendations to the Ministry regarding recognition of qualification by institutions
outside India
(iv) Inspection in examinations
(v) Registration of rehabilitation professionals/other personnel.
(vi) Determining privileges and professional conduct of registered persons.
6.2.3 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act, 1995 (PwD Act)
This is the main Act concerning disability issues in the country.
A meeting to launch the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002, convened by
the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), was held in Beijing in December, 1992.
The Proclamation on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific
Region was adopted in this meeting, to which India is a signatory. The Central Government enacted The
Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act), 1995 to
implement this proclamation. The Act was enacted under Article 253-("Legislation for giving effect to
international agreements") of the Constitution of India, read with item No. 13 - ("Participation in
international conferences, associations and other bodies and implementing of decisions made thereat")
of the Union List, since the subject "Relief to the disabled" is covered under Item 9 of the State List in
the Constitution of India.
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The PwD Act defines "disability" as blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability,
mental retardation mental illness, and leprosy-cured. It defines persons with disability as those who
have a minimum disability of 40%, as certified by a medical authority. It provides for education,
rehabilitation, employment, non-discrimination and social security for persons with disabilities.
6.2.4 National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation
and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999
A few noteworthy provision of this Act are given below:
6.2.4.1 Constitution of the National Trust for the Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities etc.
The Act, provides for Constitution of the National Trust (Section 3 to 9), a body corporate, to
acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and shall by the
said name, sue or be sued. The main objects of the National Trust, as defined under Section 10 are:
● to enable and empower persons with disability to live independently and as fully as possible
within and as close to their community ;
● to extend support to registered organisations (NGOs) to provide need based services;
● to evolve procedures for appointment of guardians and trustees for persons with disabilities;
● to facilitate the realization of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation
of persons with disabilities.
6.2.4.2 Appointment of guardianship
Sections 14 - 17 of the Act provide for appointment of legal guardian of a person with Autism,
Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities.
6.2.4.3 Local level Committees
Section 13 of the Act, provides for Constitution of Local Level Committees (LLC), consisting of -
● an officer of the civil service of the Union or State, not below the rank of District Magistrate;
● a representative of the registered organisation (NGO); and
● a person with disability
The term of a LLC is 3 years or till such time it is reconstituted. LLCs are responsible for
appointment and removal of guardians. The guardians appointed under the Act are responsible for
maintenance of persons with disabilities and his/ her properties.
6.2.5 As mentioned above, "mental illness" is one of the disabilities mentioned in the PwD Act. However,
treatment and care of mentally ill persons is governed by a separate Act called the 'Mental Health Act,
1987', which is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Mental Health Act, 1987 has the following main provisions:
(i) regulate admission to psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes of mentally ill96
persons who do not have sufficient understanding to seek treatment on a voluntary basis,
and to protect the rights of such persons while being detained;
(ii) protect citizens from being detained in psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes
without sufficient cause;
(iii) regulate responsibility for maintenance charges of mentally ill persons who are admitted to
psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes;
(iv) provide facilities for establishing guardianship or custody of mentally ill persons who are
incapable of managing their own affairs;
(v) provide for the establishment of Central Authority and State Authorities for Mental Health
Services;
(vi) lay down the powers of the Government for establishing, licensing and controlling psychiatric
hospitals and psychiatric nursing homes for mentally ill persons;
(vii) provide for legal aid to mentally ill persons at State expense in certain cases.
The terms "psychiatric hospital" and "psychiatric nursing home" defined in the Act include
convalescent homes.
6.3 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006
The National Policy recognizes that Persons with Disabilities are a valuable human resource for
the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal opportunities, protection of
their rights and full participation in society. It is in consonance with the basic principles of equality,
freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals that are enshrined in the Constitution of India and implicitly
mandate an inclusive society for all, including persons with disabilities. The National Policy recognizes the
fact that a majority of persons with disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they have equal
opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures.
The salient features of the National Policy are:
(i) Physical Rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention, counseling and
medical interventions and provision of aids and appliances. It also includes the development
of rehabilitation professionals;
(ii) Educational Rehabilitation which includes vocational training; and
(iii) Economic Rehabilitation, for a dignified life in society.
The following mechanism is in place for implementation of the National Policy:
(i) The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal Ministry to coordinate all matters
relating to implementation of the Policy.
(ii) The Central Coordination Committee, with stakeholder representation, coordinates matters
relating to implementation of the National Policy. There is a similar Committee at the State
level. Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies are associated in the functioning
of the District Disability Rehabilitation Centres. They are required to play a crucial role in the
implementation of the National Policy to address local level issues.
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(iii) The Ministries of Home Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Rural Development, Urban
Development, Youth Affairs & Sports, Railways, Science & Technology, Statistics & Programme
Implementation, Labour, Panchayati Raj and Women & Child Development and Departments
of Elementary Education & Literacy, Secondary & Higher Education, Road Transport &
Highways, Public Enterprises, Revenue, Information Technology and Personnel & Training are
also identified for implementation of the policy.
(iv) The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities at Central level and State Commissioners
at the State level play key role in implementation of National Policy, apart from their statutory
responsibilities.
6.4 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India
signed on 30th March, 2007, was ratified and came into force on 3.05.2008. Three important obligations
arise out of the Convention, namely (a) Implementation of provisions of the UNCRPD, (b) Harmonization
of Indian Laws with the UNCRPD, and (c) Preparation of a Country Report by 2010.
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment wrote to all concerned Central Ministries on
3.5.2008, requesting them to implement the provisions of the UNCRPD, particularly drawing their
attention to the guiding principles (Art. 3), need for awareness raising (Article , and ensuring accessibility
(Article 9), and listing specific articles of the Convention for special attention by identified Ministries. The
need for focus on women and children was also emphasised. The Ministries were also requested to
identify statutes and orders that require amendment in the light of the Convention and to initiate the
process of amendment.
The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment also addressed all Chief Ministers of States and
Administrators of UTs on 3.5.08 referring to the guiding principles (Article 3) and the obligations cast on
State Governments and local bodies under Articles 4 - 31 and Article 33, which wholly/significantly pertain
to their areas of responsibility. Their attention was drawn in particular to the following articles of the
UNCRPD - General Obligations(Article 4), Awareness - raising (Article , Accessibility; Personal
Mobility(Article 9 & 20), Liberty and Security of the Person(Article 14), Freedom from exploitation, violence
and abuse(Art. 16), Living independently and being included in the community(Article 19), Education:
Health(Article 24 & 25), Habilitation and Rehabilitation(Article 26), Work and Employment(Article 27),
Adequate Standard of Living and Social Protection(Article 2, and Statistics and Data Collection
(Article 31).
Action is underway for identification of the statutes that require harmonisation with the UNCRPD.
Action for preparing the country report has also commenced.
6.5 Issue of Disability Certificates
The PwD Act, 1995, provides certain benefits to persons with disabilities who have not less than
40% of any disability, as certified by a medical authority. Thus, a person with disability who wishes to avail
the benefits under the Act, has to obtain a disability certificate from the medical authority notified for
the purpose. State Governments are responsible for issuing disability certificates on the basis of
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applications by the persons with disabilities. About a quarter of persons with disability are estimated to
have been issued disability certificates. The certificates are issued on the basis of guidelines framed by
the Ministry. The certification process has been reviewed by the Ministry since the need for simplification
of the process has been expressed by various stakeholders. A simplified procedure has been recommended
by an Expert Committee in 2008, and is expected to be put in place in 2009.
6.6 Meetings of Statutory Committees
6.6.1 Central Coordination Committee
The Central Coordination Committee, constituted under Section 3 of the Persons with Disabilities
(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, is chaired by the Minister for
Social Justice and Empowerment and has official and non-official members, including Members of
Parliament, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities and experts in the field of
disability. It serves as the national focal point on disability matters and facilitates the continuous evolution
of a comprehensive policy towards solving the problems faced by persons with disabilities. It advises the
Central Government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect
to disability and reviews and coordinates the activities of all the Ministries/Departments of Government
and other Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations which are dealing with matters relating
to persons with disabilities. It takes up the cause of persons with disabilities with the concerned
authorities and international organizations with a view to provide for schemes and projects for the
disabled in the national plans and other programmes and policies evolved by the international agencies.
The 12th Meeting of the Central Coordination Committee was held on 27.5.2008. The meeting
was chaired by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The Committee discussed the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2008, status of implementation of the
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, and issues directly impinging on the lives of persons
with disabilities.
6.6.2 Central Executive Committee
The Central Executive Committee, constituted under Section 9 of the Persons with Disabilities Act,
1995, chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is the executive body of the
Central Coordination Committee. It is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Central
Coordination Committee and perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by the Central
Coordination Committee.
The 20th Meeting of the Central Executive Committee was held on 3.11.2008. The meeting
discussed implementation of various provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2008, the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, and the newly
introduced scheme of "Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employments to
Persons with Disabilities". Members of the Committee were requested to widely publicise the new
scheme among Employers and Persons with Disabilities.
99
6.7 Rehabilitation
Provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 relating to Rehabilitation
Section 2(w) of the PwD Act, 1995, defines "rehabilitation" as "a process aimed at enabling persons
with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or
social functional levels".
Section 66 of the PwD Act, which deals with rehabilitation, reads as below:
"66. Appropriate Governments and local authorities to undertake rehabilitation
(1) The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall within the limits of their
economic capacity and development undertake or cause to be undertaken rehabilitation of
all persons with disabilities.
(2) For purposes of sub-section (1), the appropriate Government and local authorities shall grant
financial assistance to non-governmental organizations.
(3) The appropriate Governments and local authorities while formulating rehabilitation policies
shall consult the non-governmental organizations working for the cause of persons with
disabilities."
Components of Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities
Some of the main components of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are :
(i) provision of assistive aids and appliances
(ii) education
(iii) vocational training
(iv) assistance for employment
(v) training in or assistance for independent living
Central Government has been providing grant-in-aid to non-governmental organizations over
successive Five Year Plans through various schemes for projects relating to rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities, including the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme that covers components (ii) to (v)
above and the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP),
covering component (i) above.
6.8 Schemes of the Ministry: An Overview
The Ministry is operating various schemes for empowerment and rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities (PwDs). The schemes aim to promote physical, psychological, social, educational and economic
rehabilitation and development of persons with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and also enable
them to lead a life with dignity.
The major schemes for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are:
1. Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances
(ADIP)- aims at physical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities through provision of
assistive aids and appliances.
100
2 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)- an umbrella scheme that addresses
all aspects of rehabilitation and includes projects covering various services ranging from
programmes for pre-school and early intervention to rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons.
3 Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act- under the scheme funds
are provided for projects to make public buildings barrier-free, support to the institutions
at regional and district level providing services to persons with disabilities and the creation
of awareness on related issues.
4 Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employment to
Persons with Disabilities- This is a new scheme, launched in 2008-09, under which payment
of employer's contribution to the Employees Provident Fund and the Employees State
Insurance Corporation for the first three years, is made by the Government of India, in respect
of persons with disability appointed in the private sector on or after1st April, 2008, with
monthly emoluments of up to Rs.25,000.
There are schemes to support various organizations of the Ministry that are involved in different
aspects of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, as given below:
1. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Cooperation of India (ALIMCO)- Funds are provided to this
Corporation for modernization.
2. Rehabilitation Council of India- The Council is provided financial support to perform its
functions regarding regulation of training of rehabilitation professionals.
3. National Institutes- Support is provided for activities of seven Institutes (autonomous
bodies) for different types of disabilities engaged in human resource development,
rehabilitation and research and development.
4. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation- Equity support is given
to this Corporation. The Corporation provides loans at concessional rates to persons with
disabilities for education, skill development and self-employment ventures.
6.9 Central Sector Schemes of the Ministry
6.9.1 Scheme of Assistance To Disabled Persons For Purchase/Fitting Of Aids/Appliances (ADIP)
The main objective of the Scheme is to provide grant in aid to various implementing agencies
(NGOs/NIs/District Disability Rehabilitation Centres/ALIMCO/State Handicapped Development Corporation/
other local bodies) to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and
scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social
and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic
potential. The aids and appliances supplied under the Scheme must conform to the standards prescribed
by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The scheme also envisages conduct of corrective surgeries, whenever
required, before providing an assistive device.
From the year 2007-08, a new approach for district-wise allocation of funds to organize disability
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Corrective surgery being performed on Polio Patient
Polio patient using specialized walker
102
Distribution of aids and appliances to persons with disabilities at Collectorate on 16.02.2009
VKM Special School for Mentally Handicapped, Poramannur, Valacherry, Kerala
103
camps for distribution of aids and appliance has been adopted to ensure coverage throughout the
country.
During 2008-09, against the annual outlay of Rs. 79 Crores, Rs. 60.22 Crores expenditure was
incurred. Approximately 2 lakhs persons with disabilities are provided assistive devices under the
scheme every year. During 2008-09, funds under the ADIP Scheme were utilized for the following
purposes:
(a) ADIP-SSA
Under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan Scheme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development(MHRD),
assistive aids and appliances are distributed to the School children below 14 years of age. In
accordance with the agreement between the MHRD and this Ministry, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation of India, the implementing agency is reimbursed 40% of the expenditure in this
regard by the MHRD and 60% by this Ministry through grants-in-aid under the ADIP Scheme.
(b) District-wise Camps
Under the ADIP Scheme, grants are also released for holding camps by the Implementing
Agencies in each district for distribution of assistive aids and devices.
(c) Special Camps
Special camps are held on occasional basis whenever the demand arises.
(d) Headquarters Activity
(i) Grants-in-aid are sanctioned for activites under ADIP at the Headquarters of the National
Institutes, their Regional Centre and Composite Regional Centre.
(ii) Some well established NGOs have Centres/Subcentres which carry out OPD activities and
also undertake corrective surgery for persons with disability. Many disabled persons
approach their centres/subcentres for assistive aids and devices. Therefore, ADIP Grant is
released for HQ activities of such NGO also.
Financial and physical achievements for the last three financial years under the scheme are as
under:-
Year Budget allocation Amount released No. of NGOs No. of
(Rs. in Crore) (Rs. in Crore) assisted beneficiaries
2006-07 71.20 67.59 84 3,07,000
2007-08 70.00 49.08 98 2,24,990
2008-09 79.00 60.22 81 —
A statement showing State-wise list indicating number of districts covered in 2008-09 under ADIP
Scheme is given at Annex-6.1.
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District-wise list of implementing agencies given grant under ADIP during the 2008-09 is at
Annex-6.2.
6.9.2 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme
The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) of this Ministry is a Central Sector Scheme
that includes projects for providing education and vocational training and rehabilitation of persons with
orthopedic, speech, visual and mental disabilities. The Scheme is being implemented since 1999 with the
objective of ensuring effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, by creating an
enabling environment and encouraging non - governmental organizations through financial assistance
for undertaking projects for the empowerment of the persons with disabilities.
DDRS guidelines, applicable since 1.4.2003, include 19 model projects covering various services
provided by voluntary agencies which can be supported through grants-in-aid. The services provided
include:
i) programmes for pre-school and early intervention
ii) special education,
iii) vocational training and placement
iv) community based rehabilitation
v) manpower development
vi) psycho-social rehabilitation of persons with mental illness
vii) rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons, etc.
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres set up by the Ministry are also funded under this scheme
after they being in operation for a period of five years in respect of such centres set up in Jammu &
Kashmir or North East and three years in the rest of the country and handed over to a suitable
implementing agencies (which include NGOs) in the District for its further continuance and maintenance.
The list of non governmental organizations that have received assistance under the scheme of
DDRS during 2008-09 is at Annex-6.3.
Details of financial and physical targets and achievements in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 under
the DDRS scheme are as indicated below:
Year Budget Allocation Expenditure No. of Beneficiaries
(Rs. crore) (Rs. crore) (in lakh)
2006-07 90 54.60 1.26
2007-08 70 70.30 1.93
2008-09 70 64.70 1.97
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6.9.3 State-wise Physical & Financial Progress under ADIP and DDRS during 2008-09
ADIP
State-wise utilization of funds under the scheme is at Annex-6.4.
Summary of release of grants under ADIP is as under:
Release of grants under ADIP Scheme for different activities
S. No. Activities Release of grants (in Rs. Crore)
1. Head Quarter Activity 13.85
2. Special Camp 4.77
3. SSA Activity 15.00
4. Camp Activity 26.60
Total 60.22
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DDRS
It was observed that during the 10th Plan period, the State-wise distribution of grant-in-aid under
DDRS was skewed, e.g., the State of Andhra Pradesh accounted for only 6% of the population of persons
with disabilities but took about 24% of the grant, while Karnataka accounted for only 4% of the
population and took 12 % of the total grant. State-wise details of expenditure under the scheme in 2008-
09 is given at Annex-6.5.
6.9.4 Scheme of Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of
Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995
Grant-in-aid is provided under this Scheme to various bodies set up by the Central Government
and State Government, including autonomous bodies and Universities, to support activities relating
to implementation of the provisions of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection
of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, particularly relating to rehabilitation and provision of barrierfree
access. The District Disability Rehabilitation Centres and Composite Rehabilitation Centres set up
by the Ministry are provided support under this scheme. The range of activities for which grant in
aid is provided with regard to barrier free access is wide, including ramps, lifts, tactile paths, new product
development and research. The expenditure on this scheme in 2008-09 was Rs.8.45 Crores. List of
projects funded under the schemes for implementation of this Act is at Annex-6.6
6.9.5 Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)
ALIMCO was set up in 1972 by the Government of India under Section 25 of the Companies
Act, 1956. The authorized capital and paid up capital as on 31.3.2009 were Rs. 3.00 lakh and Rs. 196.50
lakh respectively. The entire paid up share capital is held by the Government of India in the name
of the President of India. It is a "Not for Profit" company with the mission that "Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities and restoration of their dignity by way of manufacturing and supplying durable,
sophisticated, scientifically manufactured, modern and ISI standard quality assistive aids and appliances
that can promote physical, psychological, social, economic and vocational rehabilitation by reducing
the effect of disabilities and enhancing potential for self-dependence". ALIMCO, an ISO 9001:2000
company, is the premier and the largest manufacturer of quality disability Aids & Appliances in whole
of South Asia. The Corporation has been exporting its products to Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Combodia, Ghana, Hongkong, Israel, Namibia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE,
Uzbekistan and USA.
The value of production has increased from Rs.46.82 Crores in 2006-07 to Rs.52.30 Crores in
2008-09. Similarly, the value of sales has increased from Rs.48.88 Crores in 2006-07 to Rs.52.44 Crores
in 2008-09. The break-up of Production & sales of the Corporation in the year 2008-09 is given Annex-
6.7. The highest production is of crutches (69,133) followed by tricycles (68,718). Under ADIP Scheme,
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Rs.7.13 Crores has been utilized in 2008-09. Under ADIP-SSA Rs.19.18 Crores has been utilized in
2008-09.
Some basic details about the Corporation are as follows:
1. Year of Establishment : 1972
2. Campus Area : 44 Acres
3. Regional Marketing Offices : New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata
4. Auxiliary Production Centre : Bhubaneshwar, Jabalpur, Bangalore and Chanalon
(APC) (Punjab) - (Production at APC, Chanalon, is likely to
start within six months
5. ALIMCO Outreach Centre : Guwahati
6.9.6 Support to Rehabilitation Council of India
Plan support is provided to the Rehabilitation Council of India for their activities. In 2008-09, an
expenditure of Rs. 3 Crores was incurred for this purpose.
6.10 National Institutes
6.10.1 Introduction
There are seven National Institutes under this Ministry working in the field of disability. National
Institutes are autonomous bodies established for different types of disabilities. These institutes are
engaged in Human Resources Development in the field of disability, providing rehabilitation services to
the persons with disabilities and Research and Development efforts. The seven National Institutes are as
follows:-
1. Nation Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun
2. National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai
3. Swami Vivekanand National Institute for the Rehabilitation, Training and Research (SVNIRTAR),
Cuttack
4. National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (NIHH), Mumbai
5. National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad
6. National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped (NIOH), Kolkata
7. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped, IPH, New Delhi.
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Some basic details about the seven National Institutes are tabulated below:-
S. National Institute Year of Campus Regional Centres Composite Regional
No. establi- area (RCs)/Regional Centre, if any under
shment (in acres) Chapters, if any the National
Institutes
1 Nation Institute for the 1979 43 One RC (Chennai) One [Sundernagar
Visually Handicapped Two Regional (HP)]
(NIVH) Chapters (Kolkata
& Secunderabad)
2 National Institute for the 1983 4.77 4 RCs (Kolkata, One (Bhopal)
Hearing Handicapped Secunderabad,
(NIHH) New Delhi,
Bhubaneshwar)
3 National Institute for the 1978 3.0 2 RCs (Dehradun One (Patna)
Orthopaedically & Aizwal)
Handicapped (NIOH)
4 Swami Vivekanand National 1975 26.66 None One (Guwahati)
Institute for the Rehabilitation
5 Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya 1960 1.5 One RC Two (Lucknow &
Institute for the Physically (Secundrabad) Srinagar)
Handicapped
6 National Institute for the 1984 19.33 3 RCs (Delhi, Nil
Mentally Handicapped Mumbai & Kolkata)
(NIMH)
7 National Institute for 2005 15.2 Nil Nil
Empowerment of Persons
with Multiple Disabilities
(NIEPMD)
These National Institutes including their regional centres and composite regional centres run 75
courses of one year or more duration. Largest number of courses were run by National Institute for the
Orthopedically Handicapped, (NIOH), Kolkata. Taking into account the courses being run by the Institute,
its Regional Centres, Composite Regional Centres, National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (NIHH),
Mumbai and National Institute of Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH) Secunderabad run the maximum
number of courses. Numerical abstract of number of courses, number of seats and number of students
enrolled in each National Institute is given at Annex-6.8. The details of the courses (other than shortterm
courses) are given in Annex-6.9.
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Approximately five lakh persons were provided rehabilitation services by National Institutes
during 2008-09. Largest number of patients were dealt by National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped
(NIMH), Secunderabad followed by National Institute for Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR),
Cuttack & National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun. Institute-wise number of
persons provided rehabilitation services/ treatment is given below:
S. National Institutes Number of persons Number of persons Total
No. provided rehabilitation provided services
services at the during outreach
Institutes and their activities
Regional Centres
Follow-up New Follow-up New
cases cases cases cases
1. National Institute for the
Visually Handicapped 2,222 59,986 Nil 22,279 84,487
2. National Institute for
Empowerment of Persons
with Multiple Disabilities 10,878 462 5927 7196 24,463
3. Swami Vivekanand
National Institute for
the Rehabilitation,
Training and Research 75,904 34,719 Nil 5,025 1,15,648
4. National Institute for
the Hearing
Handicapped 56,795 15,919 Nil 8,572 81,286
5. National Institute for
the Mentally
Handicapped 1,10,137 7,443 Nil 2,545 1,20,125
6. National Institute for
the Orthopaedically
Handicapped 25,049 20,325 Nil 8,544 53,918
7. Pt. Deendayal
Upadhyaya Institute
for the Physically
Handicapped 10,757 3,103 2,986 2,968 17,362
Total 2,91,742 1,41,957 8,913 57,129 4,99,741
110
The details of each National Institute are given below.
6.10.2 National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, (NIVH), Dehradun
The main objectives of the Institute are to undertake or sponsor the training of trainers and
rehabilitation professionals, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidies research into biomedical
engineering leading to the effective evaluation of special appliances/instruments or suitable surgical or
medical procedures or the development of new special appliances/instruments.
The Institute's HRD activity comprises of diploma and degree level courses in special education
orientation and mobility. Short-term training programs are also run with the sole aim of improving
capacity of major institutions and of individuals providing services to general public and persons with
disabilities in particular. The Institute is also conducting vocational training courses (short term courses)
both for the educated and less educated for blind persons in the field of computer application and
programming Braille Short hand (Hindi), Executive Secretaryships, Light Engineering, Electronic Assembly
etc. The institute trained 944 Special Education Teachers & Mobility Instructors in the year 2008-09. The
institute provided vocational training to 283 (167 completed & 116 on roll) visually impaired persons in
the year 2008-09
Fabrication of foldable white canes at NIVH, Dehradun
111
Rehabilitation is provided through visual assessment and treatment, training in adjustment in
blindness, training in independent living skill and provision of assistive devices.
The Institute's Model School for the Visually Handicapped provides education to blind, low vision
and visually impaired children with additional disabilities from pre-school up to class XII.
The Institute maintains a National Talking Book Library. The books are recorded on cassettes and
CDs. Approximately 16,123 visually impaired persons utilized services of Talking Book Library in the year
2008-09.
The Institute's Library for the print handicapped is largest library of its kind in the country. The
Braille & Print Library of the Institute benefited 8029 Blind members & scholars in the year 2008-09.
The Institute is engaged in production and distribution of aids and appliances for education,
recreation and rehabilitation purposes. The workshop for the manufacture of Braille Appliances provided
various Braille Appliances to 363 Institutions and 25,099 individuals in the year 2008-09.
ADIP camp at Tawang
112
The Institute's Central Braille Press is the oldest Braille Press in the country, which produces
textbooks, reference books and literature of general interest for the visually impaired persons. The Central
Braille Press published 393 Titles in the year 2008-09.
6.10.3 Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, (AYJNIHH) Mumbai
The Institute has been established with the objectives of manpower development, research,
clinical services, outreach & extension services, socio-economic rehabilitation services, material development
and collection of information, documentation and dissemination of information for physically handicapped.
The Institute runs graduate and post-graduate courses in the field of hearing impairment, speech
language pathology and audiology. It also runs short term courses in Indian sign language.
NIHH provides comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, educational and vocational services to
persons with hearing handicap. The NIHH provides rehabilitation services through evaluation and
diagnosis of hearing, speech and language impairment, selection and fitting of hearing aids and ear
NIVH – Talking Book Library
Recording of Talking Book in progress
113
moulds, psychological evaluation, educational evaluation, psychotherapy and behaviour therapy, speech
and language therapy.
NIHH was given accreditation as a National Institute of Open Schooling - SAIED (Special
Accredited Institution for Education for the Disadvantaged) Centre. This is the only SAIED for persons with
Hearing Impairment in India.
The NIHH runs the Indian Sign Language Cell for development of teaching materials to teach
Indian Sign Language (ISL), training of ISL interpreters, to train deaf persons to become sign language
teachers, development of bilingual programme (sign and spoken language), sign language training for
hearing staff at educational institutions, for hearing parents and family members and documentation of
sign language vocabulary used in different regions of the country and their variations.
During the reporting year, AYJNIHH implemented Disability Information Line (DIL) in the state of
Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Action is being initiated to launch DIL at Guwahati covering
North Eastern Region States in collaboration with Manfort School, Guwahati.
6.10.4 National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, (NIOH) Kolkata
The Institute was established with the objective of Human Resource Development to develop
manpower for providing services to the Orthopaedically Handicapped population.
The Institute runs Graduate courses in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and
Orthotics. It runs a Post-graduate Diploma Course in Disability Rehabilitation and Management. Besides
other Diploma Course and Certificate Courses are run in the field of multipurpose rehabilitation,
Prosthetics and Orthotics.
It provides services in the area of rehabilitation, restorative surgery, aids & appliances and
vocational training to the persons with disability. The Institute provided medical rehabilitation services
with 65 bed indoor facility benefiting more than 250 indoor patients during the year 2008-09. The
institute did more than 1300 such surgeries during 2008-09.
6.10.5 Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training & Research, (SVNIRTAR)
Cuttack
The objective of the Institute is human resource development, implementation of service delivery
programmes, research and outreach programmes.
It undertakes, sponsors and coordinates the training of personnel such as Doctors, Engineers,
Prosthetists, Orthotists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Multipurpose rehabilitation therapists
and such other personnel for rehabilitation of the physically handicapped.
To meet the growing demand of trained manpower in the field of locomotor disability, the
Institute conducts Graduate and Post graduate courses in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics
and Orthotics.
To motivate the professionals/NGOs and to update their knowledge on Community Based
114
Rehabilitation, the Institute conducts Short Orientation Courses, Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Programmes, Workshop and Seminars in the field of Rehabilitation.
SVNIRTAR provides services to the Physically Challenged Persons. Services provided are Surgical
Correction of Orthopaedically Deformities, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. The
Institute carries out fitment of Artificial Limbs and supplies Mobility Aids and Appliances such as
Wheelchairs and Tricycles etc. at the Institute and through camps organized not only in the remote
localities of Tribal Areas of Orissa state but also in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal, U.P., Bihar,
MP, Chhatishgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Camps organized for rehabilitation of victims affected by floods in Kosi river, Bihar by NIMH, NIOH and
SVNIRTAR from 8.8.2008 to 2.3.2009
6.10.6 Pt. Deendayal Upadhayay Institute for the Physically Handicapped, (PDUIPH) New Delhi
Major objective of the Institute is to develop trained manpower for rehabilitation of orthopaedically
disabled persons, provide outreach services and conduct research.
The Institute runs three long term graduate level courses -Bachelor of Physical Therapy(BPT),
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Bachelor of Prosthetics & Orthotics (BPO).
115
For rehabilitation, the Institute provides physical therapy, occupation therapy and speech therapy.
The Institute has a Prosthetic & Orthotic Workshop for manufacture of assistive aids and
appliances. The Workshop caters to fitment services to persons with disabilities.
The Institute runs an Integrated primary school which is recognized by the Education Department
of Municipal Corporation of Delhi upto primary level, having a strength of 52 students.
The Institute is also having a medium sized Printing Press catering to the publication needs of
the Institute, Ministry of SJ&E, and other Govt. Departments. During the year 2008-09, it accomplished
102 job orders.
Some basic details about the Institute are as follows:
1. Year of Establishment - 1960
2. Campus Area - 1.5 acres
3. No. of CRCs attached - 2 (Lucknow & Srinagar)
4. Regional Centres - 1 (Southern Regional Centre, Secunderabad)
6.10.7 National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH) Secunderabad
The Institute has been established with the objective to prepare human resources equipped to
deliver services through quality models of rehabilitation, based on life cycle needs. The institute is an
apex body having tripartite functions of training, research and services in the field of mental retardations
in the country.
The NIMH runs Diploma, Graduate and Post Graduate courses in the field of mental retardation
community-based rehabilitation, rehabilitation therapeutics, early intervention and rehabilitation
psychology. B.Ed program in special education are run keeping in view need for special teacher at various
levels. It also runs M. Phil program in Special Education (mental retardation ) to prepare candidates to
take up research and training of manpower in field of mental retardation. The M. Phil (Rehabilitation
Psychology) prepares professionals to be able to provide comprehensive services to persons with mental
retardation.
The rehabilitation of persons with mental retardation is provided through Early Intervention
Services, Physiotherapy/Ortho, Biochemistry, Speech & Audiology, Psychological Assessment, Behaviour
Modification, Parent Counseling and vocational assessment services etc. The Institute also develops
models for rehabilitation and care.
NIMH has a Model Special Education Centre in New Delhi. It serves as a laboratory for the training
programmes of human resource development of the Institute. The special education centre has been
established to serve as a lab to provide practical exposure to the pre-services and in-service trainees. The
centre enrolls children in the age range of 3 years to 18 years including children with varying degrees
of mental retardation.
A Programme plan for home based training and demonstrations are given to parents for home
management for persons coming from outstation, family cottage facility as made available.
116
6.10.8 National Institute for Empowerment for Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD),
Chennai
The objective of the Institute is to serve as a National Resource Centre for empowerment of
persons with multiple disabilities having more than one disability as mentioned in the Persons with
Disabilities Act. This institute has been set up to provide need based comprehensive rehabilitation
through team approach facilitating inclusion, ensuring empowerment of persons with multiple disabilities
and their families by substantiating field based research and development of human resources. Keeping
in view the limited availability of services in the field of multiple disabilities, the Institute undertakes
human resource development stimulate the growth of services to persons with multiple disabilities.
The Institute runs two long term courses. The diploma in special education (Cerebral Palsy) is
designed to train persons who are competent to work with children who have neurological disabilities.
The diploma in special education (Deaf Blind) is aimed at preparing special teachers, who are competent
in screening, educational assessment, and programming including teaching, training and management
of children with deaf-blindness.
The rehabilitation of persons with multiple disabilities is provided through early intervention
services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special education, psychology intervention. audiology &
speech pathology and sensory intervention.
Presently, the Institute working in a temporary structure building. The construction of a barrier
free and environment friendly building with state-of-art facilities has been approved at a cost of Rs. 38.80
crore.
6.11 Regional and District-level Centres for Persons with Disabilities
6.11.1 Composite Regional Centre (CRC)
Consequent to the enactment of the Persons With Disability Act (PWD),1995 which enjoins upon
the government a responsibility for taking up steps for providing an enabling environment for Persons
With Disabilities, Scheme of setting up CRCs was formulated. The scheme of setting up of Composite
Regional Centres is a part of overall strategy to reach out to the persons with disabilities in the country
and to facilitate the creation of the required infrastructure and capacity building at Central, State and
District levels and below for awareness generation, training of rehabilitation professionals, service delivery
etc. It was thought that initiative from the Central Government is necessary by supporting establishment
of CRCs in order to speed up the process of establishing rehabilitation services and sharing with the State
Government the innovative modal of services developed by National Institutes, Regional Rehabilitation
and Training Centres, DDRCs, etc and also to do capacity building, to establish, strengthen and upgrade
rehabilitation services to reach unreached disabled population. Centres were proposed to be set up
at locations where the existing infrastructure for providing comprehensive services to disabled were
inadequate and where such centres are needed the most.
At present, there are six CRCs functioning at Sundernagar, Srinagar, Lucknow, Guwahati, Patna and
Bhopal.
117
6.11.2 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
As part of overall strategy to provide comprehensive services to persons with disabilities at the
grass root level, The Ministry with active support from State Governments is facilitating creation of the
infrastructure and capacity building at district level for awareness generation, rehabilitation, training and
guiding of grass root level functionaries, through setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
(DDRCs) in all unserved districts of the country.
6.11.2.1 Objectives of DDRCs
DDRCs are provided financial, infrastructure, administrative and technical support by the Central
and State Governments, so that they are able to provide rehabilitative support to persons with disabilities
in the district. The Objectives of the DDRCs are as follows:
● Survey and identification of persons with disability through camp approach;
● Awareness Generation for encouraging and enhancing prevention of disabilities, early
intervention and intervention etc;
● Early Intervention;
● Assessment of need of assistive devices, provision/ fitment of assistive devices, follow up/
repair of assistive devices;
● Therapeutic Services e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupation Therapy, Speech Therapy etc.;
● Facilitation of Disability Certificates, bus passes and other concessions and facilities for
persons with disabilities;
● Referral and arrangements for surgical correction through Government and Charitable
institutes;
● Arrangement of loans for self employment, through Banks and other financial institutions
including State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of NHFDC;
● Counseling of disabled, their parents and family members;
● Promotion of barrier-free environment;
● To provide supportive and complementary services to promote education, vocational
training and employment for persons with disabilities through:-
- Providing orientation training to teachers, community and families
- Providing training to persons with disabilities for early motivation and early stimulation
for education, vocational training and employment
- Identifying suitable vocations for persons wit disabilities, keeping in view local resources
and designing and providing vocational training and identifying suitable jobs, so as to
make them economically independent
- Provide referral services for existing educational, training and vocational institutions
6.11.2.2 Funding to DDRCs
DDRCs are funded by the Central Government, through the plan scheme "Scheme for
Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
118
Act, 1995," (SIPDA) initially for a period of 5 years for DDRCs located in Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern
region, and for three years in other States and Union Territories. Thereafter, DDRCs are funded,
on 10% tapering basis, under the plan scheme "Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)".
State/ UT Governments have to provide rent free building and infrastructure support to DDRCs. DDRCs
are also eligible to receive grants under the plan scheme of the Ministry "Assistance to Disabled Persons
for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme". The DDRC scheme started in the Ninth Five Year
Plan and is continuing in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
At present, 199 DDRCs have been sanctioned, out of which, 171 DDRCs are functional and
providing rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. Remaining 26 are in formative stages. In
order to make DDRCs more effective, the DDRC scheme is currently under revision, with higher cost norms
and better provisioning.
State-wise number of DDRCs by category is at Annex-6.10.
6.12 Economic Empowerment
6.12.1 National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation
6.12.1.1 Introduction
The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) was set up on 24th
January 1997. It is registered under Section 25 of the Company Act, 1956 as a company not for profit.
It is wholly owned by Government of India and has an authorised share capital of Rs. 400 Crores (Rupees
Four Hundred Crore only) & paid up capital is Rs.107.80 Crore. The company is managed by Board of
Directors nominated by Government of India.
6.12.1.2 Objectives
a) To promote economic development activities and self-employment ventures for the benefit
of persons with disability.
b) To extend loan to the persons with disability for up gradation of their entrepreneurial skill
for proper and efficient management of self-employment ventures.
c) To extend loans to persons with disability for pursuing professional/technical education,
leading to vocational rehabilitation/self-employment.
d) To assist self-employed persons with disability in marketing their produce.
6.12.1.3 Functioning & Procedure:
NHFDC functions as an apex institution, for channelising the funds to persons with disabilities,
through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), nominated by the State Government(s) or through Non
Government Organisations (under Micro Credit Scheme). NHFDC offers financial assistance, in the form
of concessional loans on convenient terms, for setting up an income generating activity, to all eligible
Indian Citizens with 40% or more disability, between 18-60 years of age, having annual income below
Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakh only) per annum in urban areas and Rs.1,60,000/- (Rupees One Lakh &
Sixty Thousand only) per annum in rural areas. The limit of loans offered, ranges from small loans upto
119
Rs. 5.00 lakh, education loans upto Rs. 7.50 lakh for courses in India and Rs. 15.00 lakh for courses abroad,
rate of interest varies from 5% to 8% per annum. A rebate of 1% on interest is allowed to women with
disabilities in all schemes.
6.12.1.4 Performance During 2008-2009
Physical and Financial Achievement of the Corporation in the last three years is given below:
S. No. Year Amount Sanctioned Amount Disbursed Number of
(in Rs. Lakhs) (in Rs. Lakhs) Beneficiaries
1 2006-2007 2728.17 2608.01 4831
2 2007-2008 3381.62 2830.37 5498
3 2008-2009 4121.82 3028.69 6086
Total 10231.61 8467.07 16415
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Smt. Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, accompanied by
Shri M. Ravikanth, CMD, NHFDC, is greeted by a participant of Shilpotsav, 2008
120
6.12.1.5 Liberalization of Lending Policy of NHFDC to enhance its effectiveness and reach
● Delegation of authority: for sanction and disbursement of projects by SCAs raised from
Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh per project.
● Eligibility of income criteria : from Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum to Rs.2.0 lakh per annum for
urban areas & Rs. 80,000/- p.a. to Rs. 1.60 lakh p.a. for rural areas.
● Increase in maximum Age limit: of beneficiaries from 55 years to 60 years.
● Revision of the scheme of Entrepreneurial and Skill Development Programmes (EDP):
The EDP Scheme has been revised with facility of 100% of expenditure as grant, including
stipend of Rs.500/- per month per trainee. Maximum duration of training has also been
enhanced from 3 months to 6 months.
6.12.1.6 New Collaborative arrangement with the State Channelizing Agencies of North East &
Eastern region
● The Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. started sending proposals & NHFDC has released
Rs.25 lakh as advance fund for estimated 90 beneficiaries.
● Sikkim SC Tribes & OBC Development Corporation started sending proposals & NHFDC has
released Rs.15 lakh as advance fund for estimated 54 beneficiaries.
● Jharkhand State Tribal Cooperative Development Corporation started sending proposals &
NHFDC has released Rs.74.01 lakh for 53 beneficiaries.
● Government of Meghalaya has given Block Government Guarantee of Rs.1.0 Crore in respect
of SCA i.e. Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. & the SCA is expected to send proposals
under NHFDC schemes.
● Government of Mizoram has nominated Mizoram Rural Bank as the SCA of NHFDC and it
has signed General Loan Agreement with NHFDC & is expected to send proposals under
NHFDC schemes.
6.12.1.7 Conferences & Workshops of SCAs:
NHFDC has organized one National Level Conference of its all State Channelising Agencies (SCAs)
on 18.9.2008. Regional Workshops of SCAs of Northern Region was organized at Chandigarh on
31.10.2008 and North-Eastern & Eastern Region at Gangtok on 11.11.2008.
6.12.1.8 Exhibition/Awareness Camps:
Exhibition held from 28.11.08 to 01.12.08 at Sasaram, Bihar organized by Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment & coordinated by NHFDC. Hon`ble Minster of SJ&E visited the camp on 01.12.08.
6.12.2 Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employment to
Persons with Disabilities
The "Scheme of Incentives to Employers in Private Sector for providing Employment to Persons
with Disabilities" was introduced by this Ministry from 1st April, 2008. It envisages payment of employer's
121
contribution to the Employees Provident Fund and the Employees State Insurance Corporation for the
first three years by the Government of India, in respect of persons with disability appointed on or after1st
April, 2008, with monthly emoluments of upto Rs.25,000. In the first year of its implementation, the main
focus was on publicity. Various apex organizations of Indian industry are actively involved in facilitating
implementation of the scheme. A High Level Monitoring Committee chaired by the Secretaries of this
Ministry and the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been constituted to monitor the implementation
of the scheme. In 2008-09, the expenditure on the scheme was Rs. 6.5 Crores. Details of expenditure
incurred are given at Annex-6.11.
6.13 National Awards for Persons with Disabilities
The National Awards are conferred on the persons with disabilities having outstanding
achievements and the individuals and organisations that are working for the empowerment of persons
with disabilities. These awards have been instituted with the objective to focus public attention on the
issues concerning persons with disabilities and to promote their mainstreaming in the society. The awards
are given away on 3rd of December every year, which has been declared as International Day of Disabled
Persons. The abstract of the Awards under the scheme of National Awards is at Annex-6.12.
Shri Sumant Misra receiving “Sportperson Award” at the Vayo Shrestha Samman held on
12.01.2009 at New Delhi
122
Award winning disabled artiste

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx

[Adverts]

[Kr_iyer]

Lot of water has passed in yamuna river, which was never notced,the sme way the Problem with the PWD  changers thinking is that we are beggers we should be satisfied with whatever they give, we are not equal to OBC, SC,ST. Then what is equal right means.

1 Does the modification contains assurances for the quota in IITs and medical seats and IIMs?
2. does it contain the spnsorship for education?
3. Does it contain Medical Cover and Insurance and assured pension equal across the India?
4. Does it contain Tax, excise duty cocession for the equipments and medicines?
5.Does it assure a job in Percentages?
6. Does it assure redressal Court clear cases faster?
7. Does the Court right offend the offenders?
8. Does it give compensation for Victims?


I can go on but chane in PWD is a bull ^^^^

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

Lot of water has passed in yamuna river, which was never notced,the sme way the Problem with the PWD  changers thinking is that we are beggers we should be satisfied with whatever they give, we are not equal to OBC, SC,ST. Then what is equal right means.

1 Does the modification contains assurances for the quota in IITs and medical seats and IIMs?
2. does it contain the spnsorship for education?
3. Does it contain Medical Cover and Insurance and assured pension equal across the India?
4. Does it contain Tax, excise duty cocession for the equipments and medicines?
5.Does it assure a job in Percentages?
6. Does it assure redressal Court clear cases faster?
7. Does the Court right offend the offenders?
8. Does it give compensation for Victims?


I can go on but chane in PWD is a bull ^^^^

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[kodakkal]

Dear Iyer,

You have perfectly described, due to lack in implementing the suggested items, most of these were may be treated as PAPER TIGERS, i hope.

Regret for the SLOW MOTIVATIONS in implementing the facts.

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx

Dear Iyer,

You have perfectly described, due to lack in implementing the suggested items, most of these were may be treated as PAPER TIGERS, i hope.

Regret for the SLOW MOTIVATIONS in implementing the facts.

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx

[Kr_iyer]

hi thanks,

I want to add some points.

All the NGOs are always begging for funds in their websites, no list what they havr done , how tey spent their Govt money. Stop all the aids to such NGOs, Instead offer scholarship to disabled in IITs, IIMs, Even abroad.

Revise te B.Ed to include teachers training on Disabled, let their be blind or HH or atleast one of the groups

Let Kendria Vidhlaya Start schools exclusively for the disabled. remember we are disabled not disadvataged , we can match the bain of free man

Let  Temples allow the Disabled inside with their wheel Chairs, we are for more better than the drnkards, Gays and Lesbians and Pickpockets come inside

Let there be individual CCPD in all the states to clear the cases with the Central government  and PSUs, instead of waiting, A justice delyed is justice denied

Let the UID created classify us the type of disabled and  form an association

Instead of it what non sense the PWD is planning is a completely a fraud

We are not Gays, Lesbians, thieves or beggars, We dont want Revised PWD to become used fortoilet sheet

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

hi thanks,

I want to add some points.

All the NGOs are always begging for funds in their websites, no list what they havr done , how tey spent their Govt money. Stop all the aids to such NGOs, Instead offer scholarship to disabled in IITs, IIMs, Even abroad.

Revise te B.Ed to include teachers training on Disabled, let their be blind or HH or atleast one of the groups

Let Kendria Vidhlaya Start schools exclusively for the disabled. remember we are disabled not disadvataged , we can match the bain of free man

Let  Temples allow the Disabled inside with their wheel Chairs, we are for more better than the drnkards, Gays and Lesbians and Pickpockets come inside

Let there be individual CCPD in all the states to clear the cases with the Central government  and PSUs, instead of waiting, A justice delyed is justice denied

Let the UID created classify us the type of disabled and  form an association

Instead of it what non sense the PWD is planning is a completely a fraud

We are not Gays, Lesbians, thieves or beggars, We dont want Revised PWD to become used fortoilet sheet

_________________
If they answer not to thy call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open thy mind and speak out alone.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE

[kodakkal]

Dear Iyer,

I have agreed what you have to say, however please note that i have already made several suggestions, pressures regarding developed ideas on disability issue with concerned authority under the banner with different NGO position, but all are in deaf ears, perhaps political motivations behind this incident.  Let us pray for good days ahead.

About forming an international association with physically challenged, i proposed to introduce an good idea that a brand new association called ; INTERNATIONAL CELL FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED may be formed after consultation with nationwide disability friends.  I will be always with any endeavors to get unity in this regard.

with best wishes,

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx

Dear Iyer,

I have agreed what you have to say, however please note that i have already made several suggestions, pressures regarding developed ideas on disability issue with concerned authority under the banner with different NGO position, but all are in deaf ears, perhaps political motivations behind this incident.  Let us pray for good days ahead.

About forming an international association with physically challenged, i proposed to introduce an good idea that a brand new association called ; INTERNATIONAL CELL FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED may be formed after consultation with nationwide disability friends.  I will be always with any endeavors to get unity in this regard.

with best wishes,

_________________
KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD,FUWAI,
Award Winner & Record Holder-International Biographical NOte.
PRO- www.disabilityindia.org/legalaid.cfm#1
Web:http://www.kodakkal.ning.com
http://www.giveindia.org/m-890-society-for-child-development.aspx