Question : Rehabilitation of Physically Challenged Persons

(a) the population of physically challenged persons in the country as on date, State-wise;

(b) whether it is true that several thousands of physically challenged persons of various nature are left with no proper care and attention and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken effective steps to support, rehabilitate and develop physically challenged population in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the total funds allocated in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to provide incentives and other encouragements to best performing NGOs in this field, in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)
(a) State-wise population of persons with disabilities as per census 2011 is at Annexure.

(b) The primary responsibility for rehabilitation and care of persons with disabilities lies with the State Governments. However, Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities through its Schemes, programmes and institutions.

(c) to (d): The Government implements various schemes/programmes for empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Major schemes/institutions for the welfare of persons with disabilities are Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP), Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), Scholarship Schemes, National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) & National Institutes. In current financial year 2018-19, Rs 1070 crores has been allocated to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, out of which, for DDRS, ADIP, SIPDA, Scholarship schemes, NHFDC and National Institutes, amount of Rs. 70.00 crores, Rs. 220.00 crores, Rs. 300.00 crores, RS. 75.66 Crore, Rs. 38.48 crore and Rs. 215.00 crores respectively has been earmarked.

(e) In addition to providing financial assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations for implementing programmes of the Government, National Awards are also conferred every year to best Non Government Organization for their outstanding achievements in empowering persons with disabilities.

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