Lok Sabha Question No. 3182 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-22
Subject: Rehabilitation of Divyang/Disabled Children/Youth
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Bholanath (B.P. Saroj)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## LOK SABHA

## MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.3182

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 22.03.2022

## REHABILITATION OF DIVYANG/DISABLED CHILDREN/YOUTH

3182.   SHRI BHOLANATH (B.P. SAROJ):

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  any  scheme  for  rehabilitation  of  divyang  children/youth  is  under  consideration  of  the Government;
- (b) if so, whether the Government proposes to open a school for disabled children in each district;
- (c) if so, the details thereof particularly regarding Uttar Pradesh; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

(a)  :  No,  Sir.  There  is  no  new  scheme  under  the  consideration  of  the  Government  at  present  for rehabilitation  of  divyang  children/youth.  However,  the  Department  has  been  implementing  various schemes for rehabilitation of such persons and to create an enabling environment, that provides them with  equal  opportunities,  ensures  protection  of  their rights  and  enables  them  to  participate  as independent and productive members of society. A brief description of some important schemes is given below:

1. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): -

Under DDRS grant-in-aid is provided to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)   for their  projects  relating  to  rehabilitation  of  persons  with  disabilities  aimed  at  enabling  them  to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or socio-functional levels.

2. District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs):

The District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) are set up in the districts of the country  for  providing  comprehensive  rehabilitation  services  to  persons  with  disabilities  at  the grass root level.

3. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities:

The main objective of the umbrella scholarship scheme is to empower students with disabilities to study further in order to earn their livelihood and to find a dignified place in society, as they face several barriers - physical, financial and psychological in pursuing studies and living with dignity.

The umbrella scholarship scheme comprises   six components: (i) Pre-matric (for classes IX  &  X),  (ii)  Post-matric  (for  Class  XI  to  Post-graduate  degree/diploma),  (iii)  Top  Class Education (for Graduate degree/Post-graduate degree/diploma in notified institutes of excellence in education), (iv) National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) (for M.Phil/Ph.D in Indian  Universities),  (v)  National  Overseas  Scholarship  (for  Master's  degree/Doctorate  in universities abroad) and (vi) Free Coaching (for students appearing in competitive examinations for Government jobs and admission to technical and professional courses).

## 4. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP):

Under  ADIP,  funds  are  released  to  various  implementing  agencies  to  assist  the  needy disabled persons, including children/youth 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 enhancing their economic potential.

## 5. The National Action Plan (NAP) for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities under SIPDA Scheme:

The  Department  implements  a  National  Action  Plan  (NAP)  for  Skill  Development  of Persons  with  Disabilities  (PwDs)  as  a  component  under  the  umbrella  scheme  'Scheme  for implementation of Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016  (SIPDA)'.  Under  this programme, Skill training is imparted through training partners based in various States/UTs and empanelled with this Department, in addition to National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), National Institutes (NIs) and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs).

## 6. Scheme for implementation of Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA):

Under the Scheme for implementation of Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA), funds are provided to States/UTs for creation of barrier free environment, strengthening  the  office  of  the  Commissioner  for  PwDs,  etc.  and  under  Accessible  India Campaign.  Funds  are  being  released  mainly  for  creation  of  barrier  free  environment  by construction of lifts, ramps, accessible toilets, tactile floors and accessible websites, etc. for the benefit of Persons with disabilities.

(b) to (d): No, Sir. As per entry No. 9 of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, 'Relief of the disabled'  figures  in  the  State  List.  However  the  Government  supplements  the  efforts  of  the  State Governments  through  its  various  schemes/programmes.  Under  Deendayal  Disabled  Rehabilitation Scheme  (DDRS)  of the Ministry grant-in-aid is provided to Non  GovernmentalOrganisations (NGOs)/Voluntary  Organisations  (VOs)  for  the  welfare  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  including  those running special schools for the Pre-school, Early Intervention and Training/Intellectual Disabilities (ID)/ Visually Impaired (VI)/Hearing and Speech Disabilities  in the country.