Which Are Best Schemes For Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) In India?

 Due to lack of awareness, many people with disabilities struggle to live a happy and meaningful life

With limited mobility, persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India can face challenges on various fronts. Financial hardships can be a major issue for PwDs. To overcome such challenges, a number of schemes and programmes have been introduced for PwDs in India. Let us take a look at some of the best schemes for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India.

ADIP Scheme - Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to people with disabilities for purchasing supportive aids. This financial assistance can be used to purchase essential items such as wheelchairs, artificial limbs, hearing aids, etc. The ADIP Scheme is available at the national level. To be eligible, a person with disability should have a disability certificate of minimum 40% disability and income not more than Rs 30,000 per month. The ADIP Scheme can be accessed once every three years.

Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme - This covers the health insurance needs of persons with disabilities with specific diseases such as cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disabilities. A health insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh per annum is provided under this scheme. It covers OPD visits, surgeries, medicines, therapies and transportation costs. To be eligible under this scheme, PwDs should have a valid disability certificate UDID (Unique Disability ID) card or enrollment number.

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) - This provides financial support aimed at making PwDs self-reliant. It is achieved by funding NGOs that focus on providing education, rehabilitation services and vocational training to persons with disabilities. Such programs ensure that PwDs can become financially independent and do not have to be a burden on anyone.

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) - This provides a safety net for persons with disabilities to ensure that they do not have to face extreme financial distress. This scheme is available to PwDs who come from BPL (below poverty line) families and have a disability of more than 80%. Rs 300 per month is provided to PwDs in the age group of 18 to 79 years. PwDs above 80 years of age get Rs 500 per month. Some states provide their own additional contribution.

National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities - This program ensures that persons with disabilities can access education without any hassles. It is available to students from Class 9 onwards, who have 40% disability and family income of less than Rs 3 lakh per annum. Funds up to Rs 1 lakh per year are available under this scheme. It covers books, tuition fees, maintenance allowance, etc.

Gharaunda (Group Home for Adults) - This aims to reduce the burden on families that have persons with disabilities. It covers multiple support systems such as medical assistance, lifelong residential care and vocational training. PwDs with specific diseases like cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual diseases, etc. can benefit from this program.

As is evident from above, persons with disabilities can access various types of financial assistance and supportive care. They need not feel desperate or depressed. With these schemes and programmes, persons with disabilities have a better chance of living a more fulfilling and independent life.