The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities unveils its transformative National Enablement Initiative – the comprehensively revised Scheme of Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances. This pioneering national program represents the government’s strategic commitment to creating an inclusive ecosystem through technological empowerment and accessibility solutions. The scheme functions as a comprehensive enablement framework that bridges the gap between need and provision through systematic implementation across India’s diverse disability spectrum.
Implementation Timeline: Critical Chronological Framework
- Official Activation Date: 26th September 2024 – The revised scheme framework becomes fully operational
- Financial Commission Period: 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026 – Aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle
- Mandatory Compliance Deadline: 2-day data submission window – Implementing Agencies must upload beneficiary distribution data on ARJUN Portal within 48 hours of aid distribution
- Continuous Enrollment: Implementing Agency applications accepted throughout the scheme period via the e-Anudaan portal
Financial Architecture: Multi-Tiered Support System
Beneficiary Assistance Matrix:
- Tier 1 Support: Complete funding for assistive devices costing up to ₹15,000
- Tier 2 Support: Fixed subsidy of ₹15,000 for devices priced between ₹15,001 – ₹30,000
- Income-Based Financing:
- Full Sponsorship: 100% cost coverage for monthly family income below ₹22,500
- Partnership Funding: 50% cost sharing for monthly family income ₹22,501 – ₹30,000
Specialized Device Subsidies:
- Mobility Enhancement Package: ₹50,000 for motorized tricycles/wheelchairs
- Advanced Limb Support: ₹30,000 for high-end prosthesis
- Comprehensive Hearing Solution: ₹6-7 Lakh for cochlear implant systems
Operational Expenditure:
- Base Administrative Allocation: 5% of total grant for operational overheads
- Enhanced Operational Support: Additional 5% for mega camps (1000+ beneficiaries)
Implementation Partnership Opportunities
The scheme invites multi-sectoral implementation partnerships from:
- Government & Institutional Network:
- ALIMCO manufacturing units
- National Institutes & Composite Regional Centres
- District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
- Registered Civil Society Organizations:
- Societies under 1860 Act
- Charitable Trusts with disability focus
- Public Service Infrastructure:
- Indian Red Cross Societies nationwide network
- Nehru Yuva Kendra grassroots units
- Local Governance Architecture:
- Zila Parishads and Municipal Corporations
- Panchayati Raj institutions
- Healthcare Delivery System:
- Empanelled hospitals and healthcare institutions
Partner Eligibility Framework
Mandatory Prerequisites:
- Legal Standing: Valid registration under Sections 51/52 of RPwD Act, 2016
- Organizational Status: Registration under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or Charitable Trust Act
- Financial Credentials: Certified audited accounts demonstrating organizational sustainability
- Technical Capacity: RCI-registered rehabilitation professionals with active CRR registration
- Infrastructure Readiness: Assessment facilities and fitment capabilities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven Implementation Track Record
- ISO/ISI certification for manufacturing capabilities
- Geographical reach in underserved regions
Implementation Support Structure
Direct Financial Provisions:
- Complete Device Funding: 100% reimbursement for approved aids and appliances
- Operational Cost Coverage: 5-10% administrative cost allocation
- Logistical Support: Travel and boarding reimbursement disbursement authority
Technical & Capacity Building:
- Digital Infrastructure Access: ARJUN Portal management system
- Technical Standards Framework: Comprehensive device specifications
- Training Resources: Assessment and fitment guidelines
Partner Selection Mechanism
Multi-Stage Evaluation Process:
- Phase 1 – Digital Submission:
- Online application through e-Anudaan portal
- Document upload and preliminary screening
- Phase 2 – Technical Evaluation:
- Screening Committee assessment for new NGO/VO applicants
- Infrastructure and capability verification
- Phase 3 – Due Diligence:
- Physical inspection waiver for organizations with proven track record
- Financial viability and compliance check
- Phase 4 – Empanelment:
- Grant sanction approval
- Bond execution and account formalization
Expedited Processing:
- Government organizations receive direct empanelment
- Fast-track approval for agencies with previous scheme experience
Partnership Application Protocol
Step-by-Step Implementation:
- Digital Registration:
- Access official portal: grants-msje
- Create organizational profile on e-Anudaan platform
- Documentation Portfolio:
- RPwD Act registration certificate
- Society/Trust registration documents
- Governing body and management details
- Three-year audited financial statements
- PAN and Aadhaar of trustees/executive members
- Proposal Submission:
- Complete online application form
- Upload digitized document portfolio
- Submit implementation capability statement
- Post-Approval Compliance:
- Subsidiary Account establishment under Central Nodal Agency
- Legal bond execution in prescribed format
- Digital infrastructure integration with ARJUN Portal
- Branding and visibility as per government guidelines
Critical Success Factors:
- Strict adherence to 48-hour data upload mandate
- Transparent beneficiary selection process
- Quality assurance in device distribution
- Comprehensive post-distribution support
