The Vikaas Day Care Scheme is an innovative initiative launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Designed to support children with disabilities aged 10 years and above, the scheme aims to enhance their interpersonal and vocational skills during a crucial transition phase. Vikaas Centres, managed by Registered Organizations (ROs), provide comprehensive day care services, including caregiving support, counselling, and skill development activities, thereby also giving family members valuable time to meet their other responsibilities.
Benefits
- Day Care Provision:
- At least 6 hours per day of comprehensive day care services, including therapeutic and vocational activities.
- Counselling and Skill Development:
- Focus on enhancing interpersonal and vocational skills to prepare children for higher education and employment.
- Parental Support:
- Counselling sessions for parents/guardians to help them manage daily living activities and to explore further training opportunities.
- Optional Transport Assistance:
- Additional transport allowance provided by the National Trust for beneficiaries using RO-provided transportation.
- Health Insurance Assistance:
- Guidance on the Niramaya health insurance scheme is provided along with enrollment assistance.
Eligibility
- Age:
- Beneficiaries must be 10 years or older.
- Disability:
- The child must have one of the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999 (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, or Multiple Disabilities).
- Exclusion:
- Beneficiaries should not be simultaneously enrolled under the Samarth or Gharaunda schemes.
Application Process
Offline & Online Enrollment
- Initial Step:
- The beneficiary, accompanied by parents/guardians, visits the Vikaas Centre with the necessary documents.
- Assessment:
- An individual assessment test is conducted for children aged 10-14. If found fit for school, guidance is provided; otherwise, parents can choose to continue with the Vikaas Centre.
- Funding Eligibility Check:
- The Centre verifies eligibility for LIG/BPL funding as applicable.
- Submission:
- The parents/guardians complete the enrolment form and attach the required documents.
- Verification and Enrollment:
- Upon successful verification, the child is enrolled in the Vikaas Centre and issued an ID card and starter kit. The Centre also informs the family about the Niramaya health insurance scheme and assists with registration if needed.
Documents Required
- Enrolment Form
- Birth Certificate/Date of Birth Proof of the child
- Disability Certificate
- BPL Certificate or Income Certificate of the parents/guardian (issued by a competent authority)
- ID Proof of the parent or guardian
- Residence Proof (Local): Mandatory for LIG families or for those availing transport facilities
- Declaration of Guardianship: For children below 18 (or LG certificate if the child is above 18 and parents are not the guardians)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Vikaas Day Care Scheme?
A1: It is a day care initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment designed to provide comprehensive care, counselling, and skill development to children with disabilities aged 10 years and above.
Q2: Which department has launched this scheme?
A2: The scheme is launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Q3: What are the main benefits of the scheme?
A3: The scheme offers at least 6 hours of daily day care, counselling for both children and parents, skill development activities, and optional transport assistance, along with guidance on health insurance enrollment.
Q4: From where can the facilities be availed?
A4: The facilities are provided at designated Vikaas Centres managed by Registered Organizations under the National Trust.
Q5: What is the main purpose of the scheme?
A5: The primary purpose is to enhance the interpersonal and vocational skills of children with disabilities as they transition to higher age groups, while also supporting their families.
Q6: How does the scheme benefit the family of the PwD?
A6: By providing day care and counselling services, the scheme gives family members time to manage other responsibilities and supports the overall well-being of the child.
Q7: Who is covered under the scheme?
A7: The scheme covers children aged 10 years and above with disabilities as defined under the National Trust Act, 1999, excluding those already enrolled in the Samarth or Gharaunda schemes.
Q8: What is the enrolment process at a Vikaas Centre?
A8: The enrolment process involves providing necessary proofs, undergoing an individual assessment test (for ages 10-14), and submitting the enrolment form with required documents. Once verified, the child receives an ID card and starter kit, and families are informed about the Niramaya health insurance scheme.
Q9: What documents are 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 the parent/guardian, residence proof, and a declaration of guardianship or LG certificate as applicable.
Q10: Can a beneficiary receive benefits from other schemes simultaneously?
A10: No, beneficiaries should not be enrolled under the Samarth or Gharaunda schemes simultaneously.