This scheme, formulated by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwDs) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities (PwDs) to support various livelihood activities and enhance their empowerment. The fund targets core areas not covered under regular budgetary support, including:
- Organizing exhibitions/workshops to showcase products (paintings, handicrafts, etc.) made by PwDs.
- Assisting benchmark disabled persons who excel in sports, fine arts, music, dance, film, theatre, or literature at the State level to participate in National and International events.
- Addressing exclusive needs of PwDs with high support needs, as recommended by the Assessment Boards on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits
Component 1: Exhibitions/Workshops
- Purpose:
- Organize events to showcase products (paintings, handicrafts, etc.) made by PwDs.
- Financial Support:
- Covers establishment costs including venue, TA/DA for participating PwDs, transportation, and additional logistics (e.g., LCD screen, lighting, music).
- Disbursement:
- 50% of the grant is released in advance, and the remaining 50% upon completion of the program with a utilization certificate.
- Maximum Assistance:
- ₹20 lakh for National level events.
- ₹15 lakh for Regional level events across designated regions.
Component 2: Participation in Events
- Purpose:
- Support PwDs with benchmark disabilities to participate in National and International events.
- Financial Support for National Events:
- To-and-fro Second AC train fare (shortest route) for the candidate and one escort (if needed).
- ₹2,500 per day for boarding and lodging per person.
- Financial Support for International Events:
- To-and-fro economic air fare (shortest route).
- ₹4,000 per day for boarding and lodging for the entire duration.
Component 3: High Support Needs
- Purpose:
- Cater to the exclusive needs of persons with high support needs, as recommended by State Assessment Boards.
- Financial Support:
- Assistance is limited to the actual cost of customized mobility equipment to improve activities of daily living, or ₹1 lakh, whichever is lower.
Eligibility
Component 1: Exhibitions/Workshops
- For Organizations:
- Must be a Government organization or registered under the Societies, Companies, or Trust Acts.
- Must have been in operation for at least three years.
- Should have a minimum of two years’ experience in organizing exhibitions/workshops for marketing products/paintings.
Component 2: Participation in Events
- For PwDs:
- Must have a permanent disability certificate with a disability percentage of 40% or more.
- The applicant’s annual family income must not exceed:
- ₹3 lakh (for National Events and National IT Challenge).
- ₹6 lakh (for International Events).
- Must have secured medals in sporting events or been graded as an outstanding/promising artist (as per Ministry of Culture guidelines) in the past three years.
- Should not have previously participated in a similar event.
Component 3: High Support Needs
- For PwDs:
- Must have high support needs as determined by the State/UT Assessment Board.
- The applicant’s annual family income should not exceed ₹3 lakh (or as specified by the Governing Body).
Application Process
Offline Submission
- For Component 1 (Exhibitions/Workshops):
- Submit the proposal using the proforma provided in Annexure-I of the guidelines.
- For Component 2 (Participation in Events):
- Submit the proposal using the proforma in Annexure-II.
- For Component 3 (High Support Needs):
- Submit the proposal using the proforma in Annexure-III.
All proposals, along with the supporting documents, must be addressed to:
Joint Secretary & CEO of the Fund
Room No. 527, 5th Floor, BIII Wing
Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003
Documents Required
For Component 1: Exhibitions/Workshops
- Certificate of Registration of the organization.
- Supporting document evidencing the organization’s experience in organizing similar events.
- Memorandum of Association.
- PAN/TAN/GST Number.
- Invitation letter from trade/marketing bodies.
For Component 2: Participation in Events
- Copy of the valid permanent disability certificate.
- Aadhaar Card number or Aadhaar enrollment number (if card not obtained).
- Certificate evidencing the achievement (e.g., winning medals or grading in arts).
- Invitation letter from the organizer of the National/International event.
For Component 3: High Support Needs
- Copy of the valid permanent disability certificate.
- Aadhaar Card number or Aadhaar enrollment number.
- Copy of the recommendations from the Assessment Board.
- Certificate from the State Government indicating that assistance could not be provided from the state fund, along with the recommendation for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Am I eligible to receive assistance from the fund more than once?
Assistance for a specific event is not available more than once for similar events. -
I have been invited to an event to showcase my paintings. Will this scheme cover TA/DA?
Yes, Component 2 includes provisions for travel, boarding, and lodging expenses. -
What is the maximum financial assistance available under Component 3?
The assistance is limited to the actual cost of customized mobility equipment or ₹1 lakh, whichever is lower. -
Is there any application fee?
No application fee is specified in the guidelines. -
What is meant by “benchmark disability”?
It refers to persons with disabilities who have been recognized for their excellence in sports, fine arts, or cultural fields at the State level. -
I am a PwD wishing to participate in the National IT Challenge with a family income of ₹2.8 lakh per annum. Am I eligible?
Yes, if your family income is within the prescribed limit (₹3 lakh for National events) and you meet the other criteria, you are eligible. -
Where can I find the prescribed proforma of the application form?
The proformas are provided as Annexures in the official guidelines. -
Do I need to submit the original copies of the required documents?
Generally, self-attested copies are accepted as per the guidelines. -
How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
Mandatory fields are typically marked with an asterisk in the application form. -
Am I required to provide my Aadhaar Number in the application form?
Yes, for identification purposes, your Aadhaar Number or enrollment number is required.