Question : HELP APPARATUS TO HANDICAPPED PERSONS

(a) whether the scheme for providing help apparatus to the handicapped persons has been extended to the whole country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the details of the remaining districts, State-wise;

(d) the types of physical disabilities for which there are provisions for providing help apparatus at present; and

(e) the number of handicapped persons received help apparatus under the said scheme and the amount spent on them during the last three years and the current year, State- wise?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)

(a) to (c) Yes Sir. Under the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled persons for purchase / fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP Scheme), the aids and appliances are distributed to persons all over the country as per eligibility.

(d) This scheme covers disabilities where aids and assistive devices can be used.

(e) Number of beneficiaries who have received help apparatus under the said scheme and the amount spent on them during the last three years is at annexure. During the current financial year i.e 2007-08, no grant has been released to any of the National Institutes/NGOs.