Grant-in-Aid Schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Assistance to Voluntary Organizations for Disabled :
The scheme was started with a view to provide assistance to voluntary organizations working in the field of handicapped welfare. It is a comprehensive scheme to cover different areas of rehabilitation - physical, psychological, social and economic. Financial support is given up to the extent of 90 per cent of the total project cost (up to 95 per cent for the rural areas), for recurring items like staff salary, maintenance charges, contingencies and non-recurring items like construction of the building, Rs. 5 lakh. Financial assistance is given for such projects as vocational training centers, special schools, counseling centers, hostels, training centers for personnel, placement services, etc.

Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances :
The main objective of the scheme is to assist needy physically handicapped persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured aids and appliances that promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation. The scheme is implemented through centers run by the companies registered under Companies Act, registered societies, trusts or any other institutions recognized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for the purpose. A large number of governmental and non-governmental agencies are engaged for the implementation of the scheme. Aids and appliances such as wheelchairs, crutches, calipers, hearing aid, Braille slates, etc. are given to different categories of disabled persons. Indian citizens possessing a certificate from a registered medical practitioner can benefit under the scheme. Disabled persons in need of aids and appliances are given travel allowance subject to a limit of Rs. 150/- for visit to implementing agencies' center. The board and lodging expenses at the rate of Rs. 10 per day subject to Rs. 150/- per beneficiary are also admissible in cases where the income of such persons is up to Rs. 1200/- per month. According to the scheme, aids and appliances up to the value of Rs. 3600/- are distributed to the disabled persons free of cost if the monthly income of the disabled is up to Rs. 1200/- and at 50 per cent of the cost if it is between R. 1201/- and Rs. 2500/-

Assistance to Voluntary Organizations for the Rehabilitation of Leprosy-Cured Persons :
India has a large population of leprosy-affected persons, the figure is estimated to be 4.50 lakh. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to NGOs in a phased manner for the rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons both in rural and urban areas. Assistance is given up to 90 per cent of the project cost. Programs like awareness generation, early intervention, educational and vocational training, economic rehabilitation, social integration, etc. are undertaken under the scheme.

Assistance to Organizations for Persons with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation :
Under the scheme, assistance is given to NGOs up to the extent of 100 per cent for running training courses for teachers in the area of cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Both recurring and non-recurring items are considered for sanction.

Establishment and Development of Special Schools :
The scheme envisages assistance to the NGOs up to the extent of 90 per cent for establishment and upgradation of special schools in the four major disability areas - orthopedic, hearing and speech, visual and mentally retarded. Priority under the scheme is given for setting up of schools in districts where there is no special school at present. Both recurring and non-recurring expenditure is supported.

Science and Technology Development Projects in Mission Mode :
With a view to provide suitable and cost-effective aids and appliances through the application of technology and also to improve the mobility, employment opportunities and integration of the disabled in the mainstream, the scheme of Science and Technology (S&T) - Project in Mission Mode was launched in 1988.

Science and Technology Projects in Mission Mode represent a new approach aimed at ensuring that emerging inter-disciplinary efforts to have the potential meet large scale societal/national needs, and can fulfil their potential in a time-targeted manner. The emphasis is on an end-to-end approach covering Research and Development as well as technological, financial, administrative and management aspects. These projects concentrate on new scientific inputs, generation of new technologies and guiding these to large-scale use.

The objectives of such projects, are to coordinate, fund and direct application of technology for development and utilization of :
(a) suitable and cost effective aids and appliances
(b) emphasis on education and skill development leading to enhancement of opportunities for employment
(c) easier living and integration in society.

The Government of India had launched for the first five years a coordinated program for developing aids and appliances for persons with disability. The financial assistance is provided on a 100 per cent basis.

Some interesting and innovative products, for the use of persons with disabilities, have been developed by organizations funded under this scheme. These are :