In order to give focused attention to Policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities, a separate Department of Disability Affairs was carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 12, 2012. The Department was renamed as Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on 08.12.2014. The Department acts as a Nodal Agency for matters pertaining to disability and Persons with Disabilities including effecting closer coordination among different stakeholders: related Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, NGOs etc. in matters pertaining to disability. Vision: To build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives. Mission: To empower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society. To realize its Vision and achieve the Mission, the Department strives for the following objectives: Undertaking following measures for rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention, counselling and medical rehabilitation and assistance in procuring appropriate aids and appliances for reducing the effect of disabilities;
ANNUAL PARENTAL/GUARDIAN'S INCOME:
Pre-matric and Post-matric Scholarship shall be paid to the students whose parents/ guardians' income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2,50,000/- (Rupees two lakh fifty thousand only) per annum. Top Class Education, National Overseas Scholarship and Free Coaching for SwDs shall be paid to the students whose parents/guardians' income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 6,00,000/- (Rupees six lakh only) per annum. There is no annual income ceiling in National Fellowship for PwDs.
RESERVATION OF SLOTS FOR GIRL STUDENTS:
50% of the total scholarships available each year for pre-matric, post-matric and top class education shall be reserved for girl candidates. In National Overseas Scholarship, 30% of the slots are reserved for female students. However, in case adequate number of girl candidates are not available or not found eligible as per the terms and conditions of the scheme, the unutilized slots can be utilized by selecting suitable male candidates.