Welcome
Department of Disability Affairs
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Government of India
25, Nov, 2014
Newly Created
Department of Disability Affairs
 The Central Government has created the Department of Disability Affairs on
12th May 2012 in the Ministry of Social Justice & empowerment for the
empowerment of Persons with Disabilities so that disability issues get their due
attention with greater effectiveness.
 On bifurcation of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, two
Departments namely, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and
Department of Disability Affairs were created. 48 posts of various level of
officers/staff were allocated to the Department of Disability Affairs. It consisted
of one Joint Secretary, 4 Director/DS, and 3 Under Secretaries, etc. In order to
strengthen the Department, proposal was sent to the Ministry of Finance for
creation of 134 posts. 69 posts were approved as part of Phase-I. Action is
being taken for creation of remaining posts.
 There is shortage of office space in Shastri Bhawan to accommodate the
increasing strength of the new Department. So the Department shifting the
complete office/staff from Shastri Bhawan to Paryavaran Bhawan.
2
Definition of Person with Disability (PwDs)
 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995, defines ‘disability’ as:
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Blindness
Low-Vision
Leprosy-cured
Hearing Impairment
Locomotor Disability
Mental Retardation
Mental Illness
 Whereas, “person with disability” suffering from not less than 40% of any
disability certified by a Medical Authority.
3
Population of PwDs
Disabled Population by Type of Disability
India : 2011
Type of Disability
Persons
Males
Females
In Seeing
5,032,463
2,638,516
2,393,947
In Hearing
5,071,007
2,677,544
2,393,463
In Speech
1,998,535
1,122,896
875,639
In Movement
5,436,604
3,370,374
2,066,230
Mental Retardation
1,505,624
870,708
634,916
722,826
415,732
307,094
Any Other
4,927,011
2,727,828
2,199,183
Multiple Disability
2,116,487
1,162,604
953,883
26,810,557
14,986,202
11,824,355
Mental Illness
Total
4
Constitutional Provisions
 Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy
 Fundamental Rights in the Constitution ensure equality, freedom, justice and
dignity of all citizens of the country including Persons with Disabilities without any
discrimination, which implies an inclusive society for all.
 Article 41 of Part IV [“Directive Principles of State Policy”] is particularly relevant
with regard to persons with disabilities, reads as follows:
 “Article 41. Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain
cases:
The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make
effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public
assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and
in other cases of undeserved want.”
 Further, “Relief of the disabled and unemployable” figures at S. No. 9 in “List
II” (“State List”) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
 “Disability” also appears in the 11th & 12th Schedules (pertaining to Panchayats
& Municipalities) of the Constitution.
5
Legislative Provisions for PwDs
 The following four Acts govern various aspects of disabilities:
 Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992;
 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) Act, 1995 (It is the first principal legal instrument
enacted in the year 1996 in pursuance of the Ministerial declaration in
Beijing in 1992) ;
[This Act is proposed to be replaced by a comprehensive legislation in
line with the provisions of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. In this regard, the Bill has been introduced in Rajya
Sabha on 7.2.2014 and it has been referred to Parliamentary Standing
Committee].
 National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
 Mental Health Act, 1987
 Out of these, the first three legislations are dealt in the Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment and the fourth in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
National Policy for PwDs 2006
 The National Policy, adopted in the year 2006, recognizes
that Persons with Disabilities are a valuable human
resource for the country and seeks to create an
environment that provides them equal opportunities,
protection of their rights and full participation in society.
 The salient features of the National Policy are:
 Physical Rehabilitation, which includes early detection and
intervention, counseling and medical interventions and
provision of aids and appliances. It also includes the
development of rehabilitation professionals;
 Educational Rehabilitation which includes vocational training;
and
 Economic Rehabilitation, for a dignified life in society.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(A) Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
 The Rehabilitation Council regulates policies, programmes and
standardization of training courses for rehabilitation professionals and
personnel dealing with the persons with disabilities. The Ministry has
notified 16 categories of Professionals, Personnel and others falling
under the purview of the Council. The Council maintains a Central
Rehabilitation Register of persons possessing recognized rehabilitation
qualifications and also promotes research in the area of special
education.
 The Council is trying to bridge the gap between the demand and
supply of rehabilitation professional and personnel. RCI also held
a National level Conference to resolve pending issues of its
Member Institutions. The Council is using modern communication
technology to disseminate information on rehabilitation by
conducting tele-conferences on various topics.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(B) National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (NT)
 National Trust was set up in 2000 under an Act of Parliament. It works through
a network of Voluntary Organizations; Association of Persons with Disabilities
and Associations of their Parents. It provides for setting up of a 3 member Local
Level Committees across the country primarily to appoint legal guardians to
Persons with Disabilities. National Trust runs a bouquet of schemes and
programmes ranging from Early Intervention for children upto 6 years to
Residential Centres for adults with severe disabilities (80%).
 'SPANDAN’ – Special Performance Awards to recognize best practices
and celebrate role models in the sector of Developmental and Intellectual
Disabilities – were organized by National Trust. World Autism Awareness
Day – the Department and National Trust celebrated World Autism
Awareness Day on 2nd April 2014. The initiative raises awareness about
Autism, which is a growing public health crisis.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(C) Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD)
 The Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has
been set up under Section 57 of the PwD Act, 1995 and has been
mandated to take steps to safeguard the rights and facilities to the
persons with disabilities and also monitor the implementation of the Act.
The office of CCPD registered 26,798 complaints, (including those
in its Mobile Courts) till 31.03.2014. Out of them, 25,593 have been
disposed off and 1205 were under process as on 31.03.2014.
 The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights
and Full Participation) Act, 1995 also empowers the States to establish
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. After continuous
and persistent persuasion by the Department, almost all the States
have now established independent State Commissioners to look
into the issues concerning Persons with Disabilities in terms of
the aforesaid Act. One time financial assistance of Rs.15 lakh is
being given by this Department to strengthen the offices of State
Commissioners as a new initiative.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(D)
S.No.
National Institutes – Snapshot details about these 7 National
Institutes are tabulated below:National Institute
Year of
establishment
Regional Centres
Composite Regional
(RCs)/Regional Chapters, Centre(CRC) if any under
if any
the National Institute
1.
National Institute for the Visually
Handicapped, (NIVH), Dehradun.
1979
One RC (Chennai) Two Regional
Chapter (Kolkata & Secunderabad
One [Sundernagar (HP)]
2.
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the
Hearing Handicapped, (AYJNIHH),
Mumbai.
National Institute for the Orthopedically
Handicapped (NIOH), Kolkata.
1983
Four RCs (Kolkata, Secunderabad,
New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar)
Two (Bhopal &
Ahemdabad)
1978
Two RCs (Dehradun & Aizwal)
One (Patna
4.
Swami Vivekanand National Institute for
the Rehabilitation and Training
(SVNIRTAR), Cuttak.
1975
None
One (Guwahati)
5.
Pt. Deendayal Upadhayaya Institute for the
Physically Handicapped, (PDUIPH),
Delhi.
National Institute for the Mentally
Handicapped, (NIMH), Secundrabad.
National Institute for Empowerment of
Persons with Multiple Disabilities,
(NIEPMD), Chennai.
1960
One RC (Secunderabad)
Two (Lucknow & Srinagar)
1984
Three RCs (Delhi, Mumbai and
Kolkata)
None
None
3.
6.
7.
2005
One
(Kozikhode)
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(E) Indian Sign Language Training & Research Centre
(ISLRTC)
 The Ministry had approved the establishment of an Indian
Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC),
initially on project basis for a period of five years, as an
autonomous Centre to promote the use and spread of
Indian Sign Language in cooperation with native sign
language users. Initially, there was an MoU with IGNOU,
Delhi. But in view of IGNOU’s refusal this year to
continue this partnership further, the Ministry has
decided to disengage itself from IGNOU and set up the
centre on its own. EFC made recommendation in
support of the scheme. CCEA approval is being taken.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(F) Indian Spinal Injury Centre - (ISIC)
 The Indian Spinal Injury Centre (ISIC), New Delhi, a NonGovernmental Organization, provides comprehensive
rehabilitation management services to patients with spinal
cord injuries and related ailments. These include
intervention in the form of reconstructive surgery,
stabilization operations, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation services.
 As per the decision of the Union Cabinet, the Government
supports the ISIC to provide 25 free beds daily for treatment
of poor patients. In addition, the Centre provides 5 free
beds to poor patients.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(G) Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Department
1. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation
(NHFDC)
 The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)
was set up on 24th January 1997 under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956
with a view to:
 promote economic development activities and self-employment ventures for the
benefit of persons with disability.
 extend loan to the persons with disability for upgradation of their entrepreneurial skill
for proper and efficient management of self-employment ventures.
 extend loan to persons with disability for pursuing professional/technical education
leading to vocational rehabilitation/self-employment.
 assist self-employed individual with disability in marketing their finished goods.
 Since its establishment, NHFDC has provided concessional finance of
Rs.461.53 crore to 90,988 beneficiaries. The number of beneficiaries were
6,356 during 2010-11, 10,625 during 2011-12, 13,296 during 2012-13 and
13,307 during 2013-14.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(H) Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Department
2. Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)
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ALIMCO was set up in 1972 by the Government of India under Section 25 of the Companies
Act 1956 for manufacturing and supplying durable, sophisticated, scientifically manufactured
modern and ISI standard quality aids and assistive devices to PwDs.
ALIMCO, an ISO 9001-2000 company, is the premier and the largest manufacturer of quality
Aids & Assistive Devices in whole of South Asia. The Corporation has been exporting its
products to Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Israel,
Namibia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE, Uzbekistan and USA.
ALIMCO has been categorized as Mini Ratna Category II CPSE by the Government in 2013-14.
Since inception, ALIMCO provided aids and appliances to more than 42 lakh beneficiaries. The
number of beneficiaries were 78,227 during 2010-11, 99141 during 2011-12, 1,57,841 during
2012-13 and 1,47,562 during 2013-14.
Besides this, ALIMCO has also provided aids and assistive devices to more than 46,000
beneficiaries under CSR initiative through various other PSEs, viz. ONGC, RECL, HUDCO,
PFC, etc during 2013-14. [For the first time since inception, it has achieved a turnover of
Rs.150 crore and is in profit making. Steps are being taken to modernize ALIMCO, at a
cost of Rs.200 crore, so that appropriate aids and assistive devices of good quality are
made available at affordable costs.]
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(I) Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities
 In order to reach out to Persons with Disabilities living in villages and remote
areas, Regional Centres, District level Centres have been set up.
(a) 8 Composite Regional Centres (CRC)
8 CRC’s have been set up by the National Institutes. The scheme of setting up
of Composite Regional Centres is a part of the overall strategy to reach out to
the PwDs in the country and to facilitate the creation of the required
infrastructure and capacity building at Central, State and District levels and
below for awareness generation, training or rehabilitation professionals, service
delivery etc. These eight CRCs are functioning at Sundernagar, Srinagar,
Lucknow, Guwahati, Patna, Bhopal, Ahmedabad & Kozhikode.
(b) Regional Centres of National Institutes: There are eleven Regional Centres
located at Chennai, Kolkata, Secunderabad, New Delhi, Bhubneshwer,
Dehradun, Aizwal and Mumbai.
Institutional Framework to deal with Issues
concerning PwDs
(I) Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities
(c) District Disability Rehabilitation Centres(DDRCs)
 To facilitate the creation of infrastructure and capacity building at district level
for awareness generation, rehabilitation, training and guiding rehabilitation
professionals, the Ministry with the active support of the State Governments is
providing comprehensive services to the persons with disabilities by way of
setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres in all the unserved districts
of the country.
 The Scheme is a joint venture of the State and Central Government. About 200
District level Centres are functional and are providing rehabilitation services to
Persons with Disabilities.
Major Schemes for Empowerment of PwDs
 During the Twelfth Plan, service delivery and generation of public
awareness about disability rights is the main strategy. It will also focus
on three key aspects of recognition, empowerment and protection of
persons with disabilities. The amount of allocation during 12th Plan
is Rs.3284 crore which is double the funding during 12th Plan.
Scheme-wise allocation of funds during 2013-14 and 2014-15 is
given at Annexure. The following 4 major schemes are being
implemented by the Department for Empowerment of PwDs:
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Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of
Aids and Appliances (ADIP)
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995
(SIPDA)
Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for providing
Employment to Persons with Disabilities.
Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for
Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP)
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The main objective of the Scheme is to provide grant in aid to the various Implementing Agencies
(NGOs/NIs/District Disability Rehabilitation Centres/ALIMCO/State Handicapped Development
Corporation/other local bodies) to assist needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated
and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances. The scheme also envisages
conduct of corrective surgeries, whenever required, before providing an assistive device.
The funds under the ADIP Scheme have been earmarked for the following activities:(a) For holding ADIP-SSA Camps
Assistive aids and appliances are distributed to the children below 14 years of age and attending
School under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan Scheme of the HRD Ministry. As per the agreement with
HRD, ALIMCO, the implementing agency, is reimbursed 40% of the expenditure by the State
Government Authorities and 60% of the expenditure through grants under ADIP Scheme.
(b) For Special Camps
Special camps are held with the approval of Hon'ble Minister whenever the demand arises.
(c) For Headquarter Activity
i.
The National Institutes require ADIP grant to attend to eligible beneficiaries who approach the
Institute or their Regional Centres.
ii. Some well established NGO have Centres/Sub-centres that carry out OPD activities and also
undertake corrective surgery operations for Persons with Disability. Many disabled persons
approach their centres/sub-centres for assistive aids and devices. ADIP Grant is also released
for their HQ activities.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme
(DDRS)
 The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) is a Central Sector Scheme that
includes projects for providing education, vocational training and rehabilitation of persons
with orthopedic, speech, visual and mental disabilities. The Scheme is being implemented
since 1999.
 The guidelines of DDRS, applicable since 2003, provide for 18 model projects covering
various services provided by voluntary agencies which can be supported through grantsin-aid. The services provided include:
i. Programmes for pre-school and early intervention
ii. Special education,
iii. Vocational training and placement
iv. Community based rehabilitation
v. Manpower development
vi. Psycho-social rehabilitation of persons with mental illness
vii. Rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons, etc.
 The scheme is also being reviewed to enhance its scope and also standardize the
working of special schools for the mentally impaired persons. The Ministry
assisted about 606 projects of 550 NGOs under DDRS during 2013-14. There are
approximately 2.70 lakh beneficiaries every year.
Scheme for Implementation of The Persons with
Disabilities Act, 1995 (SIPDA)
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Grant-in-aid is provided under the Scheme to State Governments and various bodies set up by the
Central and State Government, including autonomous bodies and Universities, to support activities
pursuant to implementation of the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 particularly relating to rehabilitation and provision
of barrier free access.
Under the Scheme assistance to State Governments and Institutions run by the Central/State
Government is given for the following activities:-
i.
To provide barrier free environment in important government buildings (State Secretariat, other
important State level offices, Collectorates, State University Buildings/ Campuses, Medical
Colleges and Main Hospitals at Divisional Headquarters, other important Government buildings),
for PwDs as per Section 46 of the PwD Act. This would include provision for ramps, rails, lifts,
adaptation of toilets for wheelchair users, brail signages and auditory signals, tactile flooring, etc.
ii. To make Government websites at the State and District levels accessible to PwDs, as per
guidelines for Indian Government Websites issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms
& Public Grievances (D/o AR&PG), Government of India.
iii. To set up early intervention centres
iv. One time assistance to construct building for the Office of State Commissioner for Persons with
Disabilties

During the last three years, a sum of Rs.100 crore was released to various State Governments
and other bodies for making their premises/buildings and websites accessible to persons with
disabilities.
Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for
Providing Employment to the PwDs
 The Scheme of Incentives to the Private Sector for
Employment of Persons with disability has been launched,
w.e.f. 01.04.2008. Under this Scheme, the Ministry provides
the employer’s contribution for Employees Provident Fund
(EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for 3 years, for
employees with disabilities employed in the private sector
on or after 01.04.2008, with a monthly salary upto
Rs.25,000.
 In view of the low off-take, this scheme is being revised
to broaden its scope.
Important New Scholarship Schemes
 In the 12th Five Year plan, many new schemes have been incorporated to take
care of educational needs of the Persons with Disabilities:i. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme (RGNF) for PwDs to pursue
M.Phil/Ph.D. courses – This scheme has been launched. It will benefit 600
Students with Disabilities- annually.
ii. Post Matric Scholarship – approved: to be implemented
iii. Pre- Matric scholarship – approved: to be implemented
iv. National Overseas Scholarship – approved- to be implemented
v. Top Class Education for PwDs to pursue higher education in reputed
institution such as IIT, NIT, etc. – under finalization
vi. Hostels for existing Government special school not having hostels and
augmentation of seats in existing hostels of Government special school –
under finalization.
 Other New Schemes
i. Scheme for providing supports for Establishment/modification/capacity
augmentation of Braille Presses to set up Braille press in every State –
under finalization.
ii. Scheme for establishment of Centre for Disability Sports – under
finalization.
Employment
(a) Identification of Posts under Government employment
 The PwD Act, 1995 provides for reservation of at least 3%
vacancies for the persons with disabilities. The Ministry issued an
important notification in July, 2013 regarding identification of posts
in the Central Government for persons with disabilities.
(b) Private Employment
 The Corporate Affairs Ministry has also been requested to urge the
corporates to adopt a policy for employment of PwDs.
(c) A new initiative is being undertaken for up-skilling PwDs
with vocational skills for their economic empowerment.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 A Pamphlet regarding the activities of the Department was widely circulated to
Hon’ble Ministers and all senior officers of the Government of India.
 ‘Antarchaksu’ – a simulation workshop aimed at giving a sneak preview for
sighted persons into the world of the visually challenged and other persons with
disabilities – was organized in collaboration with Xavier’s Resource Centre for
the Visually Challenged, Mumbai at J.N.U, New Delhi from 4th to 6th October,
2012.
 The Ist Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) World Congress was held
in Agra from 26th to 28th November, 2012 in which 1200 delegates from 85
countries participated and shared their experiences, current trends and
developing ways for future achievements in the field of CBR.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Badhte Kadam (Mobile Disability Awareness Expedition) – Badhte Kadam
is a Pan India discoverability Awareness Raising Campaign which is held every
year since 2009 all over India by the National Trust during the month of
November-December. Badhte Kadam held in 2013 was the 5th year of Badhte
Kadam. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organized a composite
camp in the War Heroes Memorial Stadium, Ambala Cantt on 18th November
2013 with participation by Apex organizations of the Ministry.
 Programme at Darbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhawan – On the occasion of the
birthday of Hon’ble President of India, a programme of one hour duration was
organized on 11th December, 2012 in Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in
which about 70 children belonging to diverse disabilities took part. The
programme was appreciated by Hon’ble President.
 Tableaux in the Republic Day Parade of 2013 – This fledgling Department
put up its tableaux in the Republic Day Parade of 26th January, 2013
showcasing that accessibility and inclusion is the key to the empowerment of
persons with disabilities. In this tableaux people with different disabilities also
performed.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 National Awards Function at Vigyan Bhawan – On 6th February 2013 and
3rd December, 2013 National Awards function was organized at Vigyan
Bhawan. Hon’ble President of India conferred National Awards to disabled
achievers and outstanding rehabilitation workers and professionals.
 Guidelines for conducting examination for persons with disabilities – The
Department issued guidelines on 26.02.2013 for conducting examination by the
academic institution as well as by recruitment agencies for the Persons with
Disabilities. The guidelines provide for scribes, grant of extra time etc. for the
persons with disabilities during examinations.
 International Cooperation – In the year 2012, the Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Government of Afghanistan for bilateral cooperation in the area of disabilities. In
terms of this MOU, delegations from Government of Afghanistan visited India
twice and all necessary cooperation was extended to them to promote
developing suitable infrastructure of empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Setting up of new District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) – To
create infrastructure and capacity building at district level for providing
comprehensive rehabilitation services to the persons with disabilities at the
grass root level and for facilitating at the district level for awareness generation,
training rehabilitation professionals, the Department provides assistance for
setting up District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) in under-served
districts of the country. Until March 2010, 199 DDRCs were sanctioned. So far
sanctions have been issued for setting up of 52 new DDRCs. The National
Programme for prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE)/Acute
Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the country prepared by the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare covers 60 priority districts of 5 states and inter alia
approved setting up of 15 new DDRCs in the remaining high priority districts of
4 states.
 Review of identification of posts for the Persons with Disabilities – As per
Section 32 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of
Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, the Ministry had notified in 2007 the
identified posts in Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ that can be reserve for persons with
disabilities. The list of these identified posts has been further reviewed and the
revised list of identified posts was notified on 29.07.2013.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Setting up of National Centre for Universal Design and Barrier Free
Environment (NCUDBE): On 16.09.2010 the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment had constituted a Task Force under the Chairmanship of Prof.
Samir K.Brahmachari, DG:CSIR. The terms of reference of the Task Force
were as follows: (i) to assess the ongoing efforts in the area of universal design
and barrier-free environment, (ii) to examine the need for establishment of
NCUDBE and (iii) in the light of (i) & (ii) above, prepare a Project Report for the
establishment of an NCUDBE. The Task Force submitted its report on
28.02.2012. Further, an expert group was constituted consisting of Dr. Gaurav
Raheja, Assistant Professor, IIT, Roorkee, Dr. Rachna Khare, Professor,
Department of Architecture, School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, Ms.
Shivani Gupt, Founder & Chief Consultant, Accessibility, New Delhi and Dr. Abir
Mullick, Professor, Industrial Design, Georgia Tech, Atlanta. Accordingly, EFC
recommended the proposal. CCEA approval is being taken.
 Revision of Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for
Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP Scheme): CCEA has approved
revision of ADIP Scheme in its meeting held on 20.02.2014. Accordingly, the
State Governments/UT administration have been requested for implementation
of the revised ADIP Scheme w.e.f. 01.04.2014.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Rights to Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 introduced in Rajya Sabha:
The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full
Participation) Act, 1995 has been in force for over 17 years. In order to
harmonize the provisions of this Act in line with the United National Convention
on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Act has been reviewed
and a new Bill, namely, Rights to Persons with Disabilities Bill was finalized
after extensive consultations with Central Ministries/Departments, State
Governments/UTs and various stakeholders. Accordingly, the Department
moved a Cabinet Note on 11.12.2013 on the Bill to replace the existing Persons
with Disabilities Act, 1995. After approval of the Cabinet to the Bill in its meeting
held on 12.12.2013, the Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 7.02.2014.
The Bill has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for
examination and report. Its report is awaited.
 National Festival ‘Samarth 2014’ – Celebrating Diversity’ : The Department
has organized a National Festival ‘Samarth 2014 – Celebrating Diversity’ on
15th – 16th January,2014 in the Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi to showcase the
abilities of the persons with disabilities. The events during the Festival
comprised of (i) National Programme of Music & Dance; (ii) Festival of films on
disability themes; (3) 5 exhibitions ‘colours of ability, of visual arts; products
disabled artisans/craftsmen in action; abiliympics; aids and assistive devices.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme modified: The Standing Finance
Committee (SFC) in its meeting held on 7th January, 2014 has approved
modifications in the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Students with
Disabilities for pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D course. The modified scheme provides
that UGC will do selection of the beneficiaries under the scheme and the
Department will release the fellowship amount to the selected beneficiaries
direct to their bank account through Canara Bank or any other designated
nationalized banks. An amount of Rs. 965.50 lakh has been released to the
banks for transfer the fellowship amount to the selected beneficiaries direct to
their bank accounts.
 National Conferences on technical themes organized: The Department
since its inception in May, 2012 have organized 7 National Conferences on
technical themes, namely, (i) National Conference on Intellectual Disability; (ii)
National Seminar on Holistic Rehabilitation Aspect of Persons with Multiple
Disabilities; (iii) National Consultation for Rehabilitation of People affected by
Leprosy; (iv) Seminar on Rehabilitation in Surgical Management of Deformity in
PwDs; (v) National Conference on Harnessing Technology for the
empowerment of Persons with Hearing Impairment; (vi) National Conference on
Rehabilitation of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury; and (vii) National Conference
on Harnessing Technology for Empowerment of Persons with Visual
Impairment.
Achievements of Department of Disability Affairs
Since May 2012
 Telecast of Republic Day Parade 2014 in Sign Language: The Department
in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting arranged Sign
Language Interpretation of live telecast of Republic Day Parade 2014 on 3 All
India channels of Doordarshan for persons with hearing impairment.
 Excellent performance of PSUs: M/S Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a public sector enterprise, has achieved
turnover of Rs. 150 crores which is 40% more than the last year’s high turnover
of Rs. 100 crores. The Memorandum of Understanding of National
Handicapped Financial Development Corporation (NHFDC) and ALIMCO have
been rated as ‘Excellent’. ALIMCO has been awarded ‘Scope Award’ 2011-12.
It has been given the status of ‘Mini Ratna Category-II’.
 First Country Report finalised: The Ministry has finalised the first Country
Report on status of disability in India. It will be laid in the United Nations
consequent to India's signing and ratification of UN Convention on Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. MEA’s clearance is awaited.
Unique Disability Identification (UDID)
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Nov ‘14
Objective of the project
Addressing the challenges
1
2
3
4
Inability to keep track of the increasing disabled
population in India (2.22% of the total population)
Census 2011 data occurs once in every 10 years.
Thus is not current data
Currently Scattered data
►Medical authorities / Hospitals across
States
►Scheme implementing agencies
Manual entry of data in majority of States leading
to decentralization
Issuance of multiple Disability
Certificates in one name from
different states
Non homogenous, non
standardized data:
Every State maintains data in
isolation, no standardization in
information collection
Disability Certificate issued by one
state is not accepted by another
state.
To create a National Database for Persons with
Disabilities
Issue a Universal Disability ID/Card to every Person with
Disability
Page 34
Unique Disability Identification
5
6
7
Current process of issuing disability certificate
1.
IT Paper
assessment
basedofDisability
7 sampleCertificate
states:
issued at State level
► A few states (eg: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra) have an
2. Manual
existingtracking
database
and monitoring
3.
► Certificate
Most of the
not
other
accepted
statesacross
have manual
the States
processes for
issuing Disability Certificate.
Page 35
Unique Disability Identification
The To-Be Process of issuing a disability certificate
Enrollment for
new registrations
PwD with No
Disability Online Web based
Certificate entry
Direct -In case of no
access to the online
system
Periodic
Medical Camps
Validation of existing
information, Fill up
missing information
PwD with Disability
Certificate
Generation of a UDID
number
Applicant
intimated by
SMS & receives
Card
Page 36
In case of
expiry of
validity
Enrolment
Agency
Assessment of the
PwD by the Medical
Authority
National
Disability
Database
Printing of the
UDID Card
Entry into the
local system
Submission of the
data through the
application interface
Push data into the
centralized
repository
Processing of data,
quality check &
adherence to data
standards
Unique Disability Identification
The outcome of the project: UDID card & No.
Disability Details
► Type
► Category* (Single, Multiple)
► Area
► Subcategory
► Disability %
► Disability Since*
► Hospital treating disability
Disability Certificate
► Serial No. / Registration No.
► Date of Issue
► Location of Issue
► Chief Medical Officer
► Date of Application
► Location of Application
► Reference Number
► It is proposed for the convenience of the PwDs that the UDID card be accepted
as the Disability Certificate itself.
► PwDs will not need to make multiple copies of documents/ maintain/ carry
multiple documents
► UDID card will be the single document of identification, verification of the
disabled for availing various benefits in future
Page 37
Unique Disability Identification
Bank details (Jan Dhan Yojna)
► Bank Name*
► Bank Account No.*
► Bank Branch*
Key features
UDID Plastic Card with QR code technology
- In future, plastic cards with QR code technology can be verified by enforcement/ implementing agencies through
handheld machines
UDID- 18 Digit Number
- It will be printed in 2 languages:
• Primary language : Regional language/ Hindi
• Secondary language: English
*The UDID Card will be issued free of cost to the PwDs
Funding
- ONE TIME Funds will be provided from the Centre for Hardware, Software, Cost of plastic card and Advertising
- Funding to the State Govt. for computerization of various nodal centers at State level to be provided through the
approved scheme SIPDA. NIC will be the appraising authority to authorize the need for computerization
- All recurring costs to be borne by the State Govt. If required, centre may fund recurring costs as well
Overall Tentative costing
► Tentative cost (factoring in cloud infrastructure is provided from Deity/NIC) = INR 68.753 Cr includes
application development by Deity, manpower services, handheld devices, training, digitization, QR
technology
► Advertising, communication & awareness cost = INR 93 Cr
► Total cost of the project = INR 161.753 Cr
Page 38
Unique Disability Identification
Key features
Technology
- A centralized, standardized, web based National Disability Database with authorized access to the States
- Aadhar platform to be leveraged for online authentication using biometrics of the beneficiaries
- NIC to play the role of appraising authority and to provide:
- Software development
- Data Centre/ Disaster Recovery Centre
- Infrastructure- Network & Security
► Stipulation of a cut-off date of abolishing the manual system of certification.
► Expandable system for accommodating19 conditions of disability as per the RPwD Bill introduced in the Rajya
Sabha
Implementation
- UDID Card issuing authority will be the same as the Disability Certificate issuing authority (Medical authorities)
- States will take ownership for end to end implementation. States may outsource card issuance to select vendors.
The guidelines for selecting vendors to be provided by the Centre
- At National level, Department of Disability Affairs will oversee the implementation of the UDID project. At State
level, State departments dealing with disability will supervise the implementation of the project
- DoDA to leverage infrastructure created by DeitY/ NeGD: GI cloud, Mobile Seva, e-Sangram (NSDG/SSDG), 1.3
lakh Common Service Centres (CSC) for implementation & service delivery
- Provision in the application whereby authorized persons/ hospitals to upload digitally signed data
Page 39
Unique Disability Identification
Approach of implementation
For existing/old PwDs
For new registration of PwDs
► Centre to provide front end application for data entry
► States may use their applications but must adhere
to centre guidelines
► Validation & ownership by the state/ District
officials
► Central application
► Execution at State & District level
► Issuance & dispatch of UDID cards by the State/
districts through state/ District IT cells.
► Ownership of the State Disability Welfare officer /
District Welfare Officer who validates the data for
issuance of the card
► UDID cards to be provided by Common Service
Centres at the State level
A few specifics of implementation
- Application to be run on desktops/ laptops/ mobility solutions etc.
- Provision to upload the beneficiary’s supporting document and linked to beneficiary details in National Disability
Database
- In areas of low network connectivity, offline Aadhar authentication to be done
- Deity/ NeGD to provide technical and advisory support to Department of Disability Affairs in implementation of
the project
Page 40
Unique Disability Identification
Awareness & communication: Key component of the project
Page 41
Unique Disability Identification
Execution phases & timelines
Building the National Disability Database
States will provide the
data
Option A) States can
use their own
application but need
to adhere to data
quality guidelines and
data structure
protocol at the centre
Option B) Centre can
provide the
application to the
States which they can
use for data entry
Page 42
Phases of database building: 2 Phases
Phase 1 (A)
Data
Migration
Electronic Database
of the state of
Madhya Pradesh
Electronic Database
of the state of
Maharashtra
Timelines
Electronic Database
of any other state
Phase 1 (B)
Data
Digitization
Data digitization of manual records available with
Medical authorities ( Text + Images)
Phase 2
New
Enrollment
UDID generation and New Registration of data with the UDID system
Unique Disability Identification
1 year approx
The only limit.. Is our mind..
UDID: A mechanism to enable
the disabled… a new beginning!
Digital India Initiative for
Persons with Disability
Dept of Disability Affairs
Web portal : Assistive Aids and
Appliances

Under development by TIFAC, A Technology Think
Tank : Set up as an autonomous Body under DST

Would cover comprehensively all the assistive aids and
appliances available in India

Would also list work done in India in labs but not
commercialized

Technology available globally but not in India

Technology of future

Artificial intelligence backed user guide in selecting right
aids/appliance
Portal under progress :
http://swavlamban.info
Assistive devices
Search by category
ICT for PwD



India has made tremendous progress in ICT and it
has been a major success story
Digital India initiative plans to connect all parts of
country through broadband
Mobile phones/tablets in combination with Sensor
based technology is opening a plethora of
possibilities
Brain Computer Interface



Brain Computer Interface(BCI) to make persons
functional
User Example : Mr Suresh – Coimbatore

Lost hand/leg movement/voice due to brainstem stroke

Only means of communication – eye blink
Using BCI he is able to type on computer and do
other things
Brain Computer Interface: Suresh
from Coimbatore
Making persons in vegetative state
communicate

Those not able to communicate by any means due to
them being in vegetative state, use of BCI

To monitor 3-Dimensional brain activity in real time

Use this to make them communicate Yes/No

Work still in progress
Probing mind using Neuro-Headset
Real time brain activity in 3D
BCI : Learning Disability


Use BCI to identify learning disability at early age
by Beta1/Theta ratio of brainwaves
Try to improve it using

Brain Entrainment

Neuro-feedback

India's traditional knowledge 

Yoga, Pranayam, Chakra, Kundalini
Internal organ cleanse - Ayurvedic
Touch Screen Tablet
Communication : Indian Language
Control equipment : TV, Light ...
Learn


Autistic child interact
well with electronic
gadget
Indian language
development essential
Gesture based Environment Control
India Integrated Wheel Chair
Use of Space Technology



Advanced composites being
developed/manufactured for space missions
could be used for prosthetics /orthotics
Use of advanced metals (e.g.Titanium) or new
materials (e.g. graphene) for body implants
Bio-compatible polymers for artificial limb
sockets
Use of 3D Printing Technology



Customized prosthetics/orthotics.
Developing aids for persons with low vision (e.g.
those with myopia, hypermetropia )
Developing customized Bionic ear/Cochlear
implants for those with hearing impairment
THANK YOU
MAKING RIGHTS REAL
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