Who are differently abled persons? What are various schemes and programmes for differently able persons offered by Govt. of India?

Introduction: Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, a "person with disability" is defined as an individual with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. The 2016 Act expanded recognized disability conditions from 7 to 21 categories (including acid attack victims, autism, and Parkinson's disease).

1. Key Schemes and Programmes by the Government of India for Differently Abled (Divyangjan):

• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan - 2015): Nationwide flagship campaign to achieve universal accessibility across built environment (ramps, lifts), public transportation (airports, railway stations, buses), and information & communication technology ecosystems (accessible government websites).
• ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances): Implemented via ALIMCO to provide modern, high-quality assistive aids (motorized tricycles, braille kits, smart canes, cochlear implants) free of cost to needy Divyangjan.
• Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project: A unified national database and smart identity card creating a single-window transparent mechanism for disability certification and welfare entitlement delivery.
• DDU-DIRP (Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme): Grants-in-aid to NGOs for running special schools, vocational training centres, and community-based rehabilitation.
• Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana: Concessional credit and loan schemes provided through the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship.
• Educational & Employment Quotas:
  • Reservation in higher educational institutions increased to 5%.
  • Reservation in government employment enhanced to 4% (under RPwD Act 2016).
  • National Fellowship and pre/post-matric scholarships for students with disabilities.
• Madhya Pradesh State Initiatives: Mukhyamantri Divyang Shiksha Protsahan Yojana, dedicated composite rehabilitation centres, and pension assistance under Samagra Social Security Mission.

2. Major Challenges: Physical infrastructure gaps in rural areas, bureaucratic delays in UDID issuance, and deep-seated societal stigma.

Conclusion: Transitioning from a charity-based paradigm to a rights-based empowerment model under the RPwD Act 2016 and UNCRPD is vital to mainstreaming Divyangjan as productive contributors to India's socio-economic fabric.