Lok Sabha Question No. 2651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Upgradation of Rehabilitation Centres for Vulnerable Groups
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## Government of India Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

## Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No - 2651 TO BE ANSWERED ON - 16/12/2025

## UPGRADATION OF REHABILITATION CENTRES FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS

2651. Shri Zia Ur Rehman:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  assessed  challenges  faced  by  persons  with  disabilities, elderly  citizens  and  other  vulnerable  groups  in  accessing  welfare  schemes,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) the measures taken to upgrade rehabilitation centres, scholarship programmes and skill training facilities; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  plans  to  introduce  new  initiatives  to  ensure  social  inclusion and economic empowerment of disadvantaged communities, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SHRI B L VERMA)

(a) to (c): The Government regularly reviews implementation of welfare schemes through various mechanisms.

As per the latest Third Party Evaluation report for ADIP Scheme distributing assistive devices by ALIMCO  and  other  Implementing  Agencies,  beneficiaries reported significant  improved mobility,  greater  access  to  opportunities  for  education  and   livelihood  and  overall  well-being. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendras established under the Scheme have further strengthened  the department's integrated and accessible rehabilitation services.

The  Umbrella Scheme 'Scholarships  for Students  with  Disabilities  (Divyangjan)'  is  regularly monitored through various regular internal reviews and its Third Party Evaluation report states that beneficiaries have seen its delivery has been strengthened through mandatory UDID, OneTime Registration, bio/face authentication and mapping of the National Scholarship Portal with the UDID Portal ensuring authentic disbursals.

For  senior  citizens,  the  Department  of  Social  Justice  &  Empowerment  implements  Atal  Vayo Abhyuday  Yojana,  and  a  Third  Party  Evaluation  study  has  shown  that  through  its  Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, enhancement of grant-in-aid, monitoring by Project Monitoring Unit  for  surprise  inspections  and  initiation  of  projects  in  uncovered  States,  all  has  led  to  a positive  outreach.  A  dedicated  Senior  Citizen  Portal  was  also  launched  in   2025  to  further strengthen digital access to schemes and faster grievance redressal.

The  Department  has  approved  30  Composite  Regional  Centres  as  outreach  arms  of  National Institutes to provide  rehabilitation  services,  train  personnel,  support  education  and  skill development,  and  raise  community  awareness  on  rights  of  persons  with  disabilities. Skill training  is  being  provided  under  the  National  Action  Plan  for  Skill  Development  of  Persons with  Disabilities  to  persons  aged  15  to  59  years  through  Government  and  non-government training partners.

The Government takes steps for further strengthening inclusive welfare measures, ensure regular reviews with stakeholders, expand rehabilitation and skill initiatives, improve digital access to schemes for all vulnerable groups.

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