(a) whether the number of differently abled people have increased significantly in the last decade;
(b) if so, the number of differently abled persons in the country, State-wise and age-wise;
(c) the reasons for the increase in the population of the differently abled;
(d) whether the Government has any comprehensive plan for the empowerment of the differently abled; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI KRISHANPAL GURJAR)
(a) to (c) As per Census 2001 there were 2.19 crore persons with disabilities which constitute 2.13 percent of the total population. As per, Census 2011 there are 2.68 crore persons with disabilities which constitute 2.21 percent of the total population. State-wise population of persons with disabilities as per Census 2001 and 2011 is at Annexure. This Ministry has not conducted any survey to ascertain the reason for increase in the population of the persons with disabilities.
(d) & (e) As per the provision of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, the State Governments are mandated to develop schemes/programmes for education, rehabilitation, social security, health care of Persons with disabilities. As welfare of persons with disabilities is primarily a State subject, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments through various Central Schemes/Programmes and National Institutes. The major schemes for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances, Scheme for Implementation of PwD Act, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme etc. Seven National Institutes and two Central Public Sector Undertakings namely, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India and National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation are providing various rehabilitative services to persons with disabilities. The Department has also launched National Action Plan for Skill Training of Persons with Disabilities for enhancing scope of employability and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.