Department of Disability Affairs Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Government of India 25, Nov, 2014 Welcome

Department of Disability AffairsMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Government of India25, Nov, 2014

Welcome

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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.

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Definition of Person with Disability (PwDs)

Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PwD) Act, 1995, defines ‘disability’ as:-

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.

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Population of PwDs

Disabled Population by Type of DisabilityIndia : 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

Mental Illness 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

Total 26,810,557 14,986,202 11,824,355

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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.

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.


(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.


(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.


(D) National Institutes – Snapshot details about these 7 National Institutes are tabulated below:-

S.No. National Institute Year of establishm

ent

Regional Centres (RCs)/Regional Chapters, if any

Composite Regional

Centre(CRC) if any under the National

Institute1. 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.

1983 Four RCs (Kolkata, Secunderabad, New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar)

Two (Bhopal & Ahemdabad)

3. National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped (NIOH), Kolkata.

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.

1960 One RC (Secunderabad) Two (Lucknow & Srinagar)

6. National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH), Secundrabad.

1984 Three RCs (Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata)

None

7. National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, (NIEPMD), Chennai.

2005 None One (Kozikhode)


(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.


(F) Indian Spinal Injury Centre - (ISIC)

The Indian Spinal Injury Centre (ISIC), New Delhi, a Non-Governmental 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, psycho-social 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.


(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.


(H) Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Department2. Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)

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.]


(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.


(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:-

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)

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 grants-in-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)

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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 & EmpowermentNov ‘14

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Objective of the projectAddressing the challenges

Unique Disability Identification

To create a National Database for Persons with Disabilities

Issue a Universal Disability ID/Card to every Person with Disability

1Inability to keep track of the increasing disabled population in India (2.22% of the total population)

2Census 2011 data occurs once in every 10 years. Thus is not current data

3Currently Scattered data

►Medical authorities / Hospitals across States

►Scheme implementing agencies

4Manual entry of data in majority of States leading to decentralization

5Issuance of multiple Disability Certificates in one name from different states

6Non homogenous, non standardized data: Every State maintains data in isolation, no standardization in information collection

7Disability Certificate issued by one state is not accepted by another state.

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Current process of issuing disability certificate


1. Paper based Disability Certificate issued at State level

2. Manual tracking and monitoring

3. Certificate not accepted across the States

IT assessment of 7 sample states:►A few states (eg: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra) have an

existing database

►Most of the other states have manual processes for issuing Disability Certificate.

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The To-Be Process of issuing a disability certificate


National Disability Database

PwD with Disability Certificate

PwD with No Disability Certificate

Periodic Medical Camps

Enrollment for new registrations

Validation of existing information, Fill up missing information

Assessment of the PwD by the Medical Authority

Submission of the data through the application interface

Processing of data, quality check & adherence to data standards

Generation of a UDID number

Printing of the UDID Card

Entry into the local system

Direct -In case of no access to the online system

In case of expiry of validity

Applicant intimated by SMS & receives Card

Online Web based entry

Enrolment Agency

Push data into the centralized repository

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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

Bank details (Jan Dhan Yojna)

►Bank Name*►Bank Account No.*►Bank Branch*

►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

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Key features

- In future, plastic cards with QR code technology can be verified by enforcement/ implementing agencies through handheld machines

- 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

UDID Plastic Card with QR code technology

UDID- 18 Digit Number


- 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

Funding

►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

Overall Tentative costing

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Key features

- 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

Technology


- 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

Implementation

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Approach of implementation


► 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

► UDID cards to be provided by Common Service

Centres at the State level

►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

For existing/old PwDs For new registration of PwDs

- 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

A few specifics of implementation

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Awareness & communication: Key component of the project


Page 42

Execution phases & timelines


Building the National Disability Database

Phases of database building: 2 Phases

Phase 1 (A)Data

Migration

Phase 2New

Enrollment

Electronic Database of the state of

Madhya Pradesh

Electronic Database of the state of Maharashtra

UDID generation and New Registration of data with the UDID system

Electronic Database of any other state

Phase 1 (B)Data

Digitization

Data digitization of manual records available with Medical authorities ( Text + Images)

Timelines

1 year approx

States will provide the dataOption A) States can use their own application but need to adhere to data quality guidelines and data structure protocol at the centreOption B) Centre can provide the application to the States which they can use for data entry

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

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THANK YOU

MAKING RIGHTS REAL

Documents

Department of Disability Affairs Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Government of India 25, Nov, 2014 Welcome