DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Government of India

Major Achievements (2014-2019)

  1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was legislated and it came into force w.e.f 19.04.2017. The Act provides measures to ensure full and effective inclusion of Persons with Disabilities by way of promoting inclusive education, adequate social security, employment and rehabilitation.
  2. Under Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme Grants-in-aid of Rs. 737.51 crore was utilized benefitting 12.41 lakh beneficiaries through 7806 camps. Under the Scheme, 9343 motorized tricycles have been distributed to eligible Divyangjan across the country which includes 439 Mega Camps/Special Camps covering 31 States/UTs for distribution of aids and assistive devices under the ADIP Scheme.
  3. Under educational empowerment, Government is implementing six Scholarship Schemes. Under these Schemes, an amount of Rs. 181.13 crores has been spent benefitting 59,389 students with disabilities.
  4. The Department is implementing National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities through our 8 National Institutes and 18 Composite Regional Centers (CRC) and 258 empanelled training partners across the country. An amount of Rs. 170.02 crore has been released for Skill Training of 1,58,193 PwDs.
  5. Under Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, financial assistance is provided to NGOs working for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities under 9 model projects. In the revised scheme, the cost norms have been increased by 2.5 times. Every year around 600 NGOs are funded for providing educational and rehabilitative services to about 35,000 beneficiaries. Rs. 265.36 crores has been spent under the scheme.
  6. For overcoming hearing disabilities in children, 186 Hospitals across the country have been empanelled, for the purpose of cochlear implant surgeries among children with hearing disability. As on date, 1706 cochlear implant surgeries for children with hearing disability have been successfully completed and their rehabilitation is underway.
  7. In 2015, the Government has set up Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), at Okhla, Delhi. “First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words”, developed by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, was launched on 23.03.2018 and second dictionary of another 3000 words was launched recently on 27.02.2019.
  8. Under National Institutes, ten new Composite Regional Centres at Tripura, Ranchi (Jharkhand), Gorakhpur (UP), Sikkim, Nellore(A.P.), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Naharlaghun(A.P.), Devengere(Karnataka), Rajnandgaon (Chattisgarh) and Balangir (Odisha) have been set up.
  9. Spinal Injury Centre at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan and two more centers at Puducherry and Shillong have been established in addition to the centre in Government Medical College, Jammu & Kashmir State.
  10. The Government has decided to establish National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh. The Foundation stone for NIMHR building has been laid on 03.03.2019. Construction work of NIMHR will start soon.
  11. The Govt. has approved establishment of a center for disability sports in Gwalior (M.P.) with an estimated cost of Rs. 170.99 crores to ensure effective participation of persons with disabilities in sport activities and also enable them to compete at national and international levels.
  12. The Department has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Government of Australia on 22nd November, 2018 for cooperation in disability sector especially in the area of early intervention and prevention, education, research and training.
Two Important Achievements of each Division of the Department during last four years alongwith actionable points envisioned for the current year.

Division-(DD-III) – (RPwD Act & UDID)

Achievements:

  • – The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted which came into force from 19.04.2017. The Central Rules under the Act have also been notified on 15.06.2017 and subsequently the Guidelines for Assessment of all the Specified Disabilities have been notified on 04.01.2018.
  • – The Government has launched the Unique Disability Identification (UDID) project with a view to create a National Database for persons with disabilities and also to issue Unique Disability ID card to each person with disability. The project provides an online web platform for issuance of certificate of disability across the country. So far 21 States/UTs namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh have started.
Actionable Points:
  • – Establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in Madhya Pradesh: The Cabinet in its meeting held on 16.05.2018 approved the proposal of the Department for establishment of NIMHR at Bhopal, MP. Meanwhile Government of Madhya Pradesh has agreed to allot about 25 acre of land along Bhopal-Sihore Highways. The Department is in the process of taking possession of the land and engaging CPWD as comprehensive consultancy to take forward the project at the new site.
  • – Review of National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: Keeping in view the spirit of the RPwD Act, 2016 and UNCRPD the Department is in the process of constituting a Committee to suggest a revised National Policy for PwDs within a period of six months.
Division (DD-II/V) (DDRS/DDRC)

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):

Achievements:

Scheme revised with effect from 01.04.18:

  • – During last four years 1,41,717 persons with disabilities benefited under the scheme involving total disbursement of Rs. 205.27 Crs.
  • – The rate of honorarium of project staff has been increased by 2.5 times.
  • – 100% support to projects running in special areas (special areas include North-eastern states, Himalayan region states, left-wing affected districts and border districts of the country).
 Actionable points:
  • – Some new model projects may be introduced in current financial year so that people having disabilities as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 can avail of benefits under the Scheme.

District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)

Achievements:
  • – Guidelines of the Scheme have been revised. Main features of the Revised scheme are as under:
  • – The rate of honorarium of project staff has been increased by 2.5 times. Honorarium to Rehabilitation professionals of DDRCs located in North-Eastern States, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Left Wing Extremism affected areas as well as the districts of any State adjoining the international borders of the country will be 20% more than the honorarium prescribed in respect of the DDRCs of the rest of the country.
Actionable points:
  • – Setting up more number of DDRCs and making the existing DDRCs functional.

National Institutes Division

Achievements:
  • – Foundation Stone Laying of 100 Bedded Annexe Building of SVNIRTAR on 23.01.2018 with cost of 15.89 crores.
  • – Upgradation of Satellite Centre, Balangir, Odisha to Composite Regional Centre 21.05.2018 with cost of 5.67 crores.
  • – Inauguration of Newly constructed Building of Department of Special Edcuation of Research of NIEPVD, Dehradun on 12.02.2018 with cost of 8.76 crores.
  • – Laying of foundation stone of OPD and Hostel building, CRC, Sundernagar on 29.05.2018 with cost of 30 crores.
Actionable Points:
  • – Estblishment of Composite Regional Centre, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
  • – Inauguration of Ambedkar Hall, Regional Centre, Chennai of NIEPVD, Dehradun.
  • – Inauguration of SC/ST Men’s Hostel at NIEPVD, Dehradun
  • – Inauguraiton of Special Education & HRD Block, Chennai
  • – SC/ST Building Bhoomi Poojan/Foundation Stone Laying, Chennai

Accessible India Campaign

Achievements:
  • – Accessible India Campaign (AIC) was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on December 3, 2015, for creating universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Built Environment, Transport and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem. The Campaign is based on the principles of the Social Model of Disability, that disability is caused by the way society is organized, and not the person’s limitations and impairments.  The Campaign has the vision to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives. The two achievement of AIC are as under:-
  • – Access audit of 1662 buildings in 50 cities was completed by auditors. The financial proposals for retrofitting of 1199 buildings have been received and sanction has been issued in respect 853 building amounting to Rs. 256.03 crores as on 19.06.2018.
  • – Out of 917 States/UTs websites, 160 websites have been made accessible so far
Actionable points:
  • – Remaining 346 buildings will be provided funds to make them accessible.
  • – Remaining 757 States/UTs websites will be made fully accessible.

Statistical Division

Achievements:
  • – The Department constituted an Election Cell for creating an Accessible Electoral Process and subsequent preparation of guidelines on Enabling Voters with Disabilities and a Standard Operating Procedure for the Nodal Officers representing the Department in all the States/UTs in the country. In this regard, the Department is working with the Election Commission of India.
  • – Action initiated for preparing a comprehensive Gender Disaggregated data for all the flagship schemes of the Department with the support being extended by the UN Women Office for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. This data is expected to guide the policy formations on the benefits for women/girls with disabilities.
Actionable Points:
  • – Statistical Cell of the Department is preparing a plan of action for creating a database for all the schemes of the Department so that data on the Persons with Disabilities may be available for R&D purposes.  This may also be useful for review of the schemes of the Department and empowering persons with disabilities in a strategic and efficient manner.

National Handicapped Financial and Development Corporation (NHFDC):

Achievements:
  • – During the current financial year (2018-19), NHFDC has so far released rs.13.51 crore for the benefit of 1352 PwDs across the  country the implementing agencies.
  • – During the current financial year (2018-19), NHFDC has signed agreements with syndicate bank and Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank for flow of concessional credit to PwDs for self employment and higher education under NHFDC schemes. Efforts are also being made for similar tie-ups with other Banks.
Actionable points:
  • – Self- Employment loan:-During current financial year 2018-19, NHFDC propose to loan disburse Rs.124.00 crores to PwDs for employment and higher education.
  • – Skill training of PwDs:- NHFDC propose to provide skill training under SIPDA scheme to 15800 PwDs all over India during 2018-19.
  • – An Incubation centre of NHFDC at Ujjain is being constructed for skill training of Divyangjan under SIPDA fund of Ministry of SJ&E, GOVT. of India as proposal of Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. This Incubation Centre will be able to Provide 280 PwDs (approx) in a duration of 03 month, which will be helpful for their self/wage employment.

ADIP  Division

Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of  Aids/Appliances (ADIP):
Achievements:
  • – Rs.624.54 crore utilized during the last four years and current year benefitting 11.02 lakh Divyangjan through 7270 camps.
  • – 322 Mega Camps/Special Camps organized during the last four years and current year covering 28 States at a cost of Rs.264.98 crore benefitting 3.36 lakh Divyangjan.
  • – 3.45 lakh Divyang Children with Special Needs (DCWSN) benefitted under ADIP-Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) all over the country during the last four years and current year.
  • – During the last four years and current year, 5848 Motorized Tricycles have been distributed to Divyangjan.

Guinness World Records

Three World Records created at Navasari Camp:17th September, 2016

  • Highest number of oil lamps lit simultaneously at a single location.
  • Fitting of 1200 Hearing Aids to 600 persons (1200 hearing aids) within 8 hours at a single location.
  • Biggest Wheelchair Logo/Image by 1000 Divyangjan.

One World Record created at Manipur Camp: 5th November, 2016

  • 3911 persons with hearing impairment fitted with hearing aids in 8 hours time.
  • Two World Records created at Rajkot Camp: 29th June, 2017
  • Highest ever participation of 1445 persons with hearing impairment in a sign language lesson at a single venue while performing our National Anthem.
  • Highest number of Orthosis (Calipers) fitted to 781 mobility impaired persons on a single day.

 Cochlear Implant Programme

Achievements:
  • – Launched on 3rd December, 2014.
  • – 1273 surgeries (984 under ADIP Scheme and 289 under CSR) conducted across India.
  • – 172 hospitals (both Government and Private) empanelled all over India for cochlear implant surgery.
Actionable Points:-
  • – Aids and assistive devices for all 21 disabilities given in RPwD Act 2016 to be distributed.
  • – More number of Hospitals will be empanelled for Cochlear Implant
  • – Reducing the cost of Cochlear Implant

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Kanpur

Achievements:
  • – Modernization of ALIMCO is being undertaken at a cost of Rs. 338.04 crore to serve higher number of beneficiaries with State-of-the-Art products.
  • – Auxiliary Production Unit established at Ujjain at a cost of Rs.18.57 crore.
  • – Foundation stone for “Auxiliary Production Unit and State-of-the-Art Artificial Limbs Fitting Centre” laid on 16.06.2016 at Faridabad, Haryana.
Actionable Point
  • – To implement the modernization program.
  • – MoUs/agreements signed:-
  • – Agreement signed on 21.12.2016 for Advanced Mobility Aids with M/s Motivation, U.K.
  • – Agreement signed on 20.05.2015 for Artificial Limbs with M/s Ottobock, Germany.

Establishment of Centre for Disability Sports

Actionable Points:
  • – 4 centres for disability sports to be established at Zirakpur (Punjab), Vishakhapatnam (A.P.), Gwalior (M.P.) and Shillong (Meghalaya).
  • – Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Gwalior Centre has been prepared.
  • – Scheme of “Support for establishment/modernization /capacity augmentation of Braille presses” for the benefit of Visually Impaired.
Achievements:
  • 10 new Braille presses have been established.
  • 11 existing Braille presses have been modernized.
  • Capacity Augmentation of 3 Braille presses carried out.
  • Rs. 32.28 crore has so far been released since launch of the Scheme in November, 2014.

National Action Plan (NAP) for Skill Development

Achievements:
  • The National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities was launched on 21.03.2015 with the objective to improve skill level of the PwDs to enhance their scope of employability and self empowerment. So far 76640 PwDs have been trained under this National Action Plan during the last two years.
Actionable Points:
  • This year the Department intends to impart skill training to 90,000 persons with disabilities under the National Action Plan and accordingly has been taking steps to achieve the targets. Further a National Workshop on Skill Development for PwDs has been scheduled on 03.07.2018 to sensitise all key stakeholders for expedite implementation of the National Action Plan.

Scholarship Scheme

Achievements:
  • The department is implementing six scholarship scheme, out of which the following five were started during last four years:
  • Pre-matric,
  • Post-matric,
  • Top class,
  • National Overseas Scheme and

Free Coaching Scheme

During last four years 42,521 students benefited involving disbursement of Rs 11732.57 lakhs.

Actionable Points:
  • State Governments are being asked to expeditiously process the scholarship proposal and forward the same to department so that scholarship amount can be disbursed timely to students with disabilities.
  • The National overseas scholarship and free coaching Scheme for student with disabilities will be popularised so that more students with disabilities avail of these scheme.

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