Development through welfare policies for physically challenged: an Indian experience

Abstract

After its independence the government of India, has been implementing several programmes for the development of its society. It is evident that it has implemented a number of welfare policies in the process of development. Such as, welfare policies for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, Backward Castes, Minorities and Women. By implementing all these programmes it has achieved the development of these sections. Similarly, the physically challenged people used to live in pathetic conditions and were contributing for the backwardness of the country. However, it has focused on the welfare of these sections with an intention of its all-round development The major policies are : (i) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):- Under the scheme, funds for the welfare of persons with disabilities are provided to the nongovernmental organizations for projects like special schools for disabled, Vocational Training Centres, Half Way Homes, Community Based Rehabilitation Centres, Early Intervention Centres for Disabled and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Cured Persons etc. (ii) Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP):- Under the scheme, aids/appliances are distributed to the needy persons with disabilities which includes mentally challenged children also. (iii) National Institutions:- The Ministry supports seven autonomous National Institutes which provide rehabilitation services and undertake manpower development with the overall objective of providing rehabilitation services for different types of disabilities. (iv) The National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation provides concessional credit to persons with disabilities for setting up income generating activities for self employment (v) Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (SIPDA):- Under this Scheme, assistance is provided for setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centers, Regional Rehabilitation Centers, creating barrier free environment in public buildings, awareness generation etc. (vi) Scheme of Incentives to Employees in the Private Sector for providing employment to persons with disabilities:- Under this Scheme, launched in April, 2008, the Government of India provides die employers' contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for three years, for persons with disabilities employed in the private sector on or after 1.4.2008, with a monthly salary up to Rs.25,000/-. Thus, the present paper is going to suggest the development model for the development of Sri Lankan society, adopted by the government of Karnataka for the welfare of physically challenged people. Further, in this study an analytical and descriptive methods will be employed.