Lok Sabha Question No. 237 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-02
Subject: Integrative Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Miteshbhai Rameshbhai Patel, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Shri Bhojraj Nag, Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, Shri Rajkumar Chahar, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Shri Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel, Shri Khagen Murmu, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shri Anil Firojiya, Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey, Shri Praveen Patel

## Government of India Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

## Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 237

ANSWERED ON -02/12/2025

Integrative Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities

## 237. Shri Praveen Patel:

Shri Bhojraj Nag:

Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh:

Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara:

Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey:

Shri Yogender Chandolia:

Shri Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel:

Shri Mitesh Patel Bakabhai:

Shri Rajkumar Chahar:

Shri Khagen Murmu:

Shri Anil Firojiya:

Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal:

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

- (a) the initiatives undertaken by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for promoting integrative approaches to disability rehabilitation;
- (b)  the  nature,  scope  and  names  of  various  institutions  involved  in  the  research  projects sanctioned under collaboration and implementation;
- (c) the quantum of funds allocated for these projects and the specific focus areas covered;
- (d) whether there are any anticipated outcomes of the initiative on well being and quality of life for persons with disabilities, if so, the details thereof; and

(e)  the  integrative  approaches  to  disability  rehabilitation  by  the  Government  in  the  Palghar district in Maharashtra?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment

(SHRI  B L VERMA)

(a):   The Department promotes integrative rehabilitation through key schemes and initiatives. Nine  National  Institutes  and  30  Composite  Regional  Centres  provide  courses,  rehabilitation services,  early  intervention,  and  skill  development  across  India.  Schemes  such  Assistance  to Persons  with  Disabilities   for  Purchase/Fitting  of  Aids  /Appliances  (ADIP)  through  Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) support the provision and innovation of assistive devices. The Department offers national scholarships and skill development for persons with disabilities to enhance education and employment.

(b) and (c): Under the Research sub-scheme of SIPDA, DEPwD supports projects on assistive technology development, rehabilitation protocols and therapy modules, accessible learning and communication  technologies,  habilitation  research,  digital  and  ICT-based  interventions,  and evidence-based prevalence and functional assessment studies. Recent  projects are being implemented  by  PDUNIPPD,  New  Delhi;  AYJNISHD(D),  Mumbai;  NIEPID,  Secunderabad; NIEPVD,  Dehradun;  and  NILD,  Kolkata,  in  collaboration  with  medical  colleges,  technical institutes, and community-based organisations.

ALIMCO is undertaking key projects including low-vision assistive eyewear with CSIRCSIO, a programmable Behind-the-Ear hearing  aid with CDAC, Kadam Knee Joints  with IIT Chennai and SBMT (DRDO), development of specialised dies with CIPET and establishment of a proposed R&D facility at Visakhapatnam in collaboration with AMTZ.

Under the Research Sub-scheme of SIPDA scheme implemented by DEPwD, cumulative expenditure for FY 2020-21 to 2025-26 is ₹3.49  crore.

(d) These  initiatives  aim  to  enhance  functional  independence  of  persons  with  disabilities through technology-based, evidence-driven interventions and structured early childhood support. They promote holistic rehabilitation by integrating therapy, counselling and caregiver involvement, expand access to quality services via institutional and community platforms, and strengthen a nationwide cadre of skilled rehabilitation professionals.

(e) To promote integrative rehabilitation, ALIMCO, in coordination with local administration, has organised ADIP Scheme distribution camps in Palghar district, Maharashtra, providing assistive devices worth Rs. 97.39 lakh to 1,057 beneficiaries over the last three years. AYJNISHD(D), Mumbai conducts community-based rehabilitation and early intervention camps offering screening, therapy, caregiver counselling, assistive device facilitation, referrals, job fairs and awareness activities.

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