Question : DISTRICT DISABILITY REHABILITATION SCHEMES

(a) whether the Government provides financial assistance under the District Disability Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) for mentally challenged children for setting up of special schools/residential schools, half-way homes, etc. in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) the number of children homes established under DDRS during the said period;

(d) whether the Government has received reports that mentally challenged children are not being cared properly in the said children homes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT

(a) & (b) Under Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), grant-in-aid is released to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for providing various services to persons with disabilities including special schools/residential schools, half-way homes, etc. for mentally retarded children.

Further, the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities implements various schemes like Aspiration, Samarth, Nirmaya, Sahyogi, Gharaunda, Gyan Prabha, Uddyam Prabha etc for the rehabilitation of such persons. Under the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), financial assistance is provided to the State Government/UT Administration for the setting up and maintenance of Specialized Units for Children with Special Needs in Children’s Homes and Shelter Homes in need of care and protection, including mentally challenged children.

Statement indicating State-wise details of amount released to the NGOs under DDRS during the last three years and current year is given at Annexure.

(c) The Central Government does not establish homes for mentally challenged children.

(d) & (e) The primary responsibility for programmes for rehabilitation and care of persons with disabilities, including mentally ill persons, lies with the State Governments as per entry No. 9 in the “State List.” However, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the States in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.