(a) whether the Government is aware that a large number of disabled and mentally ill people are without any employment;
(b) if so, whether the Government is considering to provide them gainful employment;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINSTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SHRI KRISHNAPAL GURJAR)
a) & b) : As per the 12th Plan Working Group Report, 34 percent of persons with disabilities are employed.
As per Section 33 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act, 1995 every appropriate Government shall appoint in every establishment such percentage of vacancies not less than three per cent for persons or class of persons with disability of which one per cent each shall be reserved for persons suffering from – (i) Blindness or low vision, 9ii) Hearing impairment and (iii) Loco motor disability or cerebral palsy, in the posts identified for each disability
The Central Government implements the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 in right earnest. States Governments are, however, mainly responsible for implementation of the provisions of the Act including Section 33. They have been advised to take measures for implementation of the Act in true spirit from time to time.
In addition, Under the scheme of Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) opportunities for the persons with disabilities in the field of employment are provided by way of providing financial assistance in the form of Grant-in-Aid to NGOs. The major components of the scheme are –Vocational Training Centres, and Sheltered Workshop.
National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) is providing financial assistance in the form of loan to the PwDs for self employment and higher education. Financial assistance from NHFDC is made available to the disabled persons through the State Channelising Agency (SCA) nominated by respective State Government. The financial assistance is also available through Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
(c) The details of State-wise funds released and number of beneficiaries assisted under NHFDC self-employment schemes since its inception is enclosed at Annexure-I.
(d) Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) and (b) above.