The Samarth (Respite Care) Scheme was launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India. This initiative aims to establish respite homes for orphans, abandoned persons with disabilities (PwDs), families in crisis, and PwDs from BPL and LIG families—including destitutes—who have at least one of the four disabilities outlined under the National Trust Act. In addition to providing essential residential care, the scheme also offers much-needed respite to family members, allowing them time to attend to other responsibilities.
Benefits
- Group Home: Ensures that PwDs receive quality residential care with necessary medical support.
- Vocational Activities: Offers age-specific vocational and pre-vocational training to help PwDs build skills.
- Dedicated Staffing: Guarantees the presence of qualified staff such as special educators, vocational trainers, therapists, caregivers, and cooks.
- Enhanced Infrastructure: Provides therapeutic aids, hygienic lodging, and other essential facilities.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regular assessments to monitor the progress and individual needs of each PwD.
- Linkage to Gharaunda Scheme: Facilitates further care for PwDs transitioning out of the Samarth Centre.
Eligibility
- Disability Requirement: The applicant must have one of the disabilities under the National Trust Act, 1999—namely Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, or Multiple Disabilities.
- Exclusion Criteria: The PwD should not be simultaneously enrolled under the Disha, Vikaas, or Gharaunda Schemes.
Application Process
Offline Enrolment of PwD at the Samarth Centre
- Initial Visit:
- The PwD (or their guardian/parent) must visit the Samarth Centre with the necessary proof documents.
- Individual Assessment:
- A Therapist or Counsellor conducts an individual assessment to understand the specific needs of the PwD.
- Certification for Orphan/Abandoned Cases:
- For orphans, abandoned PwDs, or those from families in crisis, the RO must obtain certification from the competent district authorities.
- PwDs in these categories are automatically included in the BPL category and are enrolled for the Niramaya scheme alongside Samarth.
- Eligibility Check for LIG/BPL:
- For other cases, eligibility is verified based on whether the PwD qualifies for LIG or BPL funding as per National Trust guidelines.
- Enrolment Form Submission:
- The parent or guardian fills out the enrolment form and attaches original and photocopied documents.
- Verification and Confirmation:
- Upon successful verification, the PwD is enrolled at the Samarth Centre. An Enrolment ID card/receipt and a starter kit are provided along with details on the starting date, rules, and regulations.
- Niramaya Health Insurance:
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The Samarth Centre explains the Niramaya health insurance scheme to the parent/guardian. Assistance for registration under Niramaya is offered if required.
Note:
- The application form includes a field for the intended duration of stay, which must be filled by the parent or guardian.
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Documents Required
- Enrolment Form (as provided by the Samarth Centre)
- Birth Certificate or Proof of Date of Birth for the PwD
- Disability Certificate
- BPL Certificate or Income Certificate of the parent/guardian (issued by the competent authority for LIG or BPL families)
- ID Proof of the parent or guardian
- Declaration/Guardianship Proof:
- For PwDs under 18 years, if parents are not the guardians
- OR, an LG Certificate if the PwD is over 18 years and the parents are not the guardians
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which department has launched the Samarth scheme?
A1: The scheme is launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Q2: What are the main benefits of this scheme?
A2: It provides group home facilities, vocational training, dedicated staffing, proper infrastructure, regular assessments, and a linkage to the Gharaunda Scheme for eligible PwDs.
Q3: From where can PwDs receive these facilities?
A3: Facilities are provided at designated Samarth Centres managed by Registered Organisations (ROs).
Q4: What is the main objective of this scheme?
A4: The objective is to offer respite and residential care for orphans, abandoned PwDs, families in crisis, and PwDs from BPL and LIG families, while also allowing family members some respite time to fulfill other responsibilities.
Q5: What would be the batch size in a Samarth Centre?
A5: The scheme ensures that group home facilities cater to all age groups with appropriate care and services; however, specific batch sizes are determined by the centre’s capacity and guidelines.
Q6: Who will be covered under this scheme?
A6: The scheme covers PwDs who have one of the four disabilities under the National Trust Act and are not enrolled in the Disha, Vikaas, or Gharaunda schemes simultaneously.
Q7: What is the enrolment process for a PwD at the Samarth Centre?
A7: PwDs, along with their parents/guardians, must visit the centre, undergo an assessment, submit the enrolment form with required documents, and receive an Enrolment ID card upon successful verification.
Q8: How is this scheme beneficial to the family of the PwD?
A8: By providing respite care and residential support, the scheme offers family members the opportunity to take necessary time for their personal responsibilities while ensuring that the PwD receives professional care.
Q9: What are the documents required for enrolment?
A9: Required documents include the enrolment form, birth certificate or date of birth proof, disability certificate, BPL/Income certificate, ID proof of parent/guardian, and appropriate guardianship documents if applicable.
Q10: Which website is used for RO registration?
A10: Detailed information, including the RO registration link, is provided on the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and associated guidelines.