The Vice President of India has officially inaugurated the Deen Dayal Divyangjan Sahajya Scheme for individuals with disabilities in Assam. This initiative aims to support all disabled citizens living within the state. The government will provide a one-time financial grant of Rs. 5,000 to assist with medical expenses for differently-abled individuals. It is expected that approximately 4.5 lakh disabled residents will benefit from this program.

Mr. Venkaiah Naidu introduced the scheme during a ceremony held on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The mission is to transform public perceptions regarding disability. The primary goal is to foster an inclusive society where discrimination based on physical challenges is eliminated. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes that differently-abled citizens deserve empathy and respect rather than mere pity.

The state government has launched this welfare program guided by the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Key Highlights of the Deen Dayal Divyangjan Sahajya Scheme

The primary features and objectives of this scheme for the disabled community include:

  • The scheme seeks to shift societal attitudes toward persons with disabilities while improving their overall quality of life.
  • The state government is offering a single-payment grant of Rs. 5,000 to assist with the medical care of eligible individuals.
  • Authorities will prioritize facilitating easier access to loans for disabled persons through various banking and financial institutions.
  • Increased accessibility to public spaces will be promoted to provide greater opportunities for the disabled community.
  • The program encourages the entire community to provide support and empowerment to disabled individuals.
  • The Assam government ensures that beneficiaries receive their entitled payments from relevant welfare schemes in a timely manner.
  • In its first phase, the scheme aims to support approximately 1 lakh disabled citizens.
  • A total budget of Rs. 250 crores has been allocated by the state government to ensure the effective execution of this project.

Additionally, the state government is moving forward with the Pranam Act, which allows government employees to contribute to the welfare of persons with disabilities. This effort aims to empower previously underserved sections of society and grant them a privileged status.

List of Assam Government Schemes

Based on 2011 Socio-Economic Census data, India accounts for 2.21% of the global disabled population. Consequently, the state government initiated the Deen Dayal Divyangjan Sahajya Scheme (DDDSS) to improve the lives of differently-abled people, ensuring they can live with pride, independence, and dignity.