Parliament Question: Funds for Persons with Disabilities

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DIVYANGJAN) LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2905 TO BE ANSWERED ON - 10/03/2026 FUNDS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 2905. DR. SHASHI THAROOR: Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that a significant portion of the budget allocated for schemes related to persons with disabilities remains underutilised year after year; (b) if so, the reasons for persistent underutilisation of funds earmarked for disability welfare and inclusion programmes; (c) the steps taken or proposed to ensure full and timely utilisation of allocated funds to improve access to education, employment, healthcare and assistive devices for persons with disabilities; and (d) the mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of expenditure on disability welfare and to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE& EMPOWERMENT (SHRI B. L. VERMA) (a) & (b): No. The details of the budget allocated, revised estimates and actual expenditure during the last three years is as under:(Rs. In Crores) Programme/ Assistance to Deendayal Scholarship for Scheme for Schemes Disabled Divyangjan Students with Implementation of S. Persons for Rehabilitation Disabilities the Rights of Persons No. purchase of Schemes with Disabilities Act Financial Fitting 2016 Year Devices (ADIP) 1 BE 235.00 125.00 105.00 240.39 2022-23 2 RE 230.00 105.00 145.00 100.00 3 AE 242.29 114.69 142.00 65.59 4 BE 245.00 130.00 155.00 150.00 2023-24 5 RE 305.00 130.00 155.00 67.00 6 AE 290.60 129.98 130.07 76.79 7 BE 315.00 165.00 142.68 135.33 2024-25 8 RE 350.00 139.00 80.00 111.00 9 AE 348.81 139.39 89.71 44.16 (c) & (d): The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is implementing various schemes for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PwDs), (Divyangjan). The funds are released to the eligible beneficiaries/ organisations/ institutions upon receipt of the proposals in accordance with the Scheme Guidelines. In some cases the cause of under utilization has been late or incomplete submission of proposals by the stakeholders. To ensure timely utilization of funds and effective delivery, the Schemes are regularly monitored, including inspection by District Authorities and State Governments. The department conducts regular review with associated stakeholders for sensitizing them and need to propagate the benefits of the schemes meant for PwDs for their empowerment. Feedbacks are also sought from stakeholders. The Department is taking steps to ensure transparency and that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. Under Awareness Generation and Publicity (AGP) Scheme, the Department is creating general awareness about the Schemes and programmes of the Government for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities. *****