Question :

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

• the steps taken by Government during the last five years to reduce the dependence of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) on other persons;
• whether such technology is being developed by Government so that persons with disabilities can be made self-reliant;
• the future plans proposed by Government to make the digital ecosystem more disabled friendly; and
• the details of the plan thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

(SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

• and (b): The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities vide Notification dated 4^th January 2021 has identified more than 3500 posts for reservation in government employment under Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. Further, the Department is also implementing Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) for providing assistive devices and performing corrective surgeries for the Persons with Disabilities fulfilling income criteria prescribed. The Department also provides financial assistance to the Persons with Disabilities under National Fund. Similar benefits are available to the Persons with Disabilities under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Further, the Department administers the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, governing rehabilitation courses and programmes and regulation of rehabilitation professionals for creating pool of rehabilitation professionals in the disability sector.

The Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology, Housing and Urban Affairs & Culture have notified the accessibility standards to foster ease of access to the persons with disabilities and make them self-reliant.

(c) and (d): Reforms is a continuous process for which the Central Government based on stake holders consultation reviews the existing facilities including digital ecosystem for Persons with Disabilities.