Trends in the Budgetary Allocation for Department of

Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

From financial year of 2020 to 2024’s Interim Budget

Sumeet Parikshit

February 2. 2024
Table of Content

Introduction 2
Central Sponsored Schemes and Programs 4
2. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) 6
3. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) 8
4. Support to National Trust 10
5. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) 11
6. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) 12
7. Social Security Schemes 14
8. Schemes for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA) 16
9. Centre for Disability Sports 18
The proportional budget estimate (blue line) shows a semi parabolic curve) while the
proportional revised estimate shows an increasing pattern. 19
10. Scholarship for students with disabilities' outlay of expenditure 19
11. National Institutes 21

1
Introduction

The union budget is an important framework to look at expenditure allocations and the outcomes
of such resource mobilisation with respect to annual reports of ministry and departments to
realise intent towards a sector as well as areas which have been focussed upon or need impetus
for the future. Likewise, the recent enactment of Rights to Persons with Disabilities 2016, needs
to be closely looked at for addressing the needs of the marginalised community. The budget
speech highlights the recall of the government towards the same and the following highlight’s the
change in narrative over the years.

2021-’22
● “As a government, we kept a watch on the situation (of pandemic) and were proactive in
our responses. The government, led by the Prime Minister, stretched its resources to
deliver for the most vulnerable sections of our society – the poorest of the poor, the
Dalits, Tribals, the elderly, the migrant workers, and our children.”
● “For accessible higher education in Ladakh, I propose to set up a Central University in
Leh.”
● “In these last few paragraphs of Part A of my speech, I draw the attention of this august
House to the fact that, at the beginning of the current Financial Year, the pandemic’s
impact on the economy resulted in a weak revenue inflow. This was combined with high
expenditure to provide essential relief to vulnerable sections of the society especially the
poor, women, SCs and STs.”
● “For children with hearing impairments, the Government will work on standardization of
Indian Sign language across the country, and develop National and State Curriculum
materials for use by them.”
2022-’23
● “This Budget continues to provide impetus for growth. It lays a parallel track of (1) a
blueprint for the AmritKaal, which is futuristic and inclusive. This will directly benefit
our youth, women, farmers, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.”
● “The parent or guardian of a differently abled person can take an insurance scheme for
such person. The present law provides for deduction to the parent or guardian only if the
lump sum payment or annuity is available to the differently abled person on the death of
the subscriber i.e. parent or guardian. There could be situations where differently abled
dependants may need payment of annuity or lump sum amount even during the lifetime of
their parents/guardians. I propose to thus allow the payment of annuity and lump sum
amount to the differently abled dependent during the lifetime of parents/guardians, i.e.,
on parents/ guardians attaining the age of sixty years.”

2
2023-’24
● “We envision a prosperous and inclusive India, in which the fruits of development reach
all regions and citizens, especially our youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes. “
● “The Government’s philosophy of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has facilitated inclusive
development covering in specific, farmers, women, youth, OBCs, Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, divyangjan and economically weaker sections, and overall priority for
the underprivileged (vanchiton ko variyata). There has also been a sustained focus on
Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and the North-East. This Budget builds on those efforts. “
2024-’25
● “Our Government is working with an approach to development that is all-round,
all-pervasive and all-inclusive (सर्वांगीण, सर्वस्पर्शी और सर्वसमावेशी). It covers all castes
and people at all levels. We are working to make India a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. For
achieving that goal, we need to improve people’s capability and empower them.”
● “The schemes for empowerment of Divyangs and Transgender persons reflect firm
resolve of our Government to leave no one behind.”

The budget speech over years has ensured to recall inclusive development and made it a priority
in this year and so has been the recognition finally to persons with disabilities amongst
marginalised communities. The insurance act(undergoing amendment)1 and inclusive insurance
products2 needs proactive revival given the health insurance products recently introduced remain
to be launched by the companies. For their executives to be themselves aware of the product,
attain standardised premium rates and make it digitally accessible for persons with disabilities.

It is equally important to go beyond the narrative to look into the expenditure outlay and it’s
utilisation as follows to understand the efforts realised in last few years: -

1
The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2022 - Insurance Laws and Products - India (mondaq.com)
2
Hold Meeting With Insurance Companies, Ensure Products Are Designed For Persons With Disabilities:
Delhi High Court To IRDAI (livelaw.in)

3
Central Sponsored Schemes and Programs

4
Department of
Empowerment of
Persons with
Disabilities'
expenditure outlay 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 1325.39 1171.77 1212.42 1225.15 1225.27
Revised Estimate 900 1044.31 1015.98 1225.01 Unavailable
Department's
proportional outlay
out of total budget
(in %) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
0.04356639 0.03364027 0.03073378
Budget Estimate 702 014 879 0.02720683121 0.02570981004
0.02608465 0.02770053 0.02426376
Revised Estimate 049 05 184 0.02728012068 Unavailable

Decreasing proportion of outlay for the department where average revision in proportion of
outlay remains at average of 0.02% against upward movement of the union budget. The
department is also underutilizing the outlay by utilising only 64% in '20'-'21 with an increment of
close to 20% more utilisation in the next financial year and which has again decreased to 81.2%
in '22-'23. The low utilisation will impact the enhancement of allocation which is crucial for
implementation of schemes and policies.. It may impact the implementation of major schemes
like follows: -

1. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme

The main objective of the scheme is to provide grants in aid to the various implementing
agencies so that they are in a position to assist needy persons with disabilities in procuring
durable, sophisticates and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances to
promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the effects of
disabilities and at the same time enhancing their economic potential. The scheme also envisages
conduct of corrective surgeries whenever required before providing an assistive device.

ADIP Scheme's
expenditure
Outlay 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 230 220 235 245 315
Revised Estimate 195 180 230 305 Unavailable

5
Proportion of
investment on
ADIP scheme
out of
department's
outlay (in %) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 17.35338278 18.77501557 19.38272216 19.99755132 25.70861932
Revised Estimate 21.66666667 17.23626126 22.63824091 24.89775594 Unavailable

The increase in
outreach numbers
except in '20-'21
as in the
department's
report reflect an
increasing trend of
proportional
outlay from the
department. But
the deduction in
revised estimate
from budget
estimate had
increased from
-15% in '20-21 to -18% in '21-22 which drastically reduced to -2% in the following year
providing better resources for operation of the scheme; as the actual utilisation is close to 82% of
allocation in '20-21 and 90% in the following financial year. The increase in proportional budget
by 28% in interim budget of '24'-25 is hopeful indication of enhancing the outreach numbers and
help in sustaining efforts with the beneficiaries given the utilisation is witnessing an upward
trend rising up to 103% in the year '22-'23 and the trend should be maintained.

Under the ADIP scheme3 AYJNISHD (D) served 6113 (covid pandemic period) and 20590 new
cases during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively . This figure indicates that though the number of
beneficiaries increased on a large scale, proportional increase in the budget and utilisation has to
be considered to further the efforts.

3
MSJE Annual Report 2022 English.CDR (disabilityaffairs.gov.in)

6
2. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)
The objective of the Corporation is to benefit the persons with disabilities to the maximum extent
possible by promoting, encouraging and developing and manufacturing rehabilitation aids and
supplying them for distribution to the persons with disabilities of the country. It endeavours to
provide better quality of aids and appliances to a larger number of persons with disabilities at a
reasonable price.

ALIMCO's outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 50 50 0.1 0.01 0
Revised Estimate 50 60 0 0 Unavailable
Proportion of
investment on
ALIMCO out of
department's outlay
(in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
3.77247451 4.26704899 0.00824796
Budget Estimate 7 4 6876 0.0008162265845 0
5.55555555 5.74542042
Revised Estimate 6 1 0 0 Unavailable

Both, Budget
estimates and Revised
Estimates show an
upward trend as per
proportional outlay
from department and
at face value before'
21-'22. However,
surprising is the deep
dive in estimation
from 2022 - 2023 to
0.1 crore from the
budget estimate of 50
crores in the previous
financial year even

7
though the utilisation was 100% in '20-'21 and '21-22 and it followed with an increase in revision
of 10 crores in following year.

Production (in nos.) Sales (in nos.)

2021-22 2021-22
(provisional (provisional
Physical performance figures up figures up
(physical performance to to
of important products) 2019-20 2020-21 31-12-2021) 2019-20 2020-21 31-12-2021)
Tricycle 71365 57092 42794 71171 58105 46135
Wheel Chairs 73146 66259 56631 75009 68858 57416
Crutches 83858 52883 52516 74755 57393 66724
Hearing Aids 139039 133500 14961 124783 97576 71746

However, There has been no allocation since revision made in '22-'23 till recent '24-25's interim
budget Also, the sales figures as per the report suggest of increased numbers for majority of
products but the resource mobilised from the sales (both grant in aid and other sources) show a
decreasing trend in between '2019 -'2022.This, may impact make in india initiative to develop
assistive devices in India and eventually increase the burden on expenditure on imports/FDIs
unless the business has turned self sustainable to ensure research and development as well. As,
alongwith ALIMCO the accounting head for Research on disability related technology products
and issues has witnessed zero outlay thereby depreciating the ecosystem of innovation towards
disability and if similar efforts under SIPDA are not sustained as SIPDA also has supported only
16 projects of innovation till 2022 then this will impact affordability of assistive devices for the
masses. Thus, it's important to introduce outlay in the budget for upgradation of the corporation’s
core expertise which ensures it's upward resource mobilisation from sales, enhance research and
product development and sustain efforts without turning it into a sick industry like historically
applies to majority of PSUs.
The majority of persons with disabilities still do not have access to aids and assistive devices4.
ALIMCO being one of the leading public enterprises in production of cost effective assistive
devices should be in a viable position to address the needs of persons with disabilities either
through sales or by supplying for ADIP scheme.

3. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)

The objective of the scheme is to provide grants in aid to non-governmental organisations for
projects relating to rehabilitation of persons with disabilities aimed at enabling persons with

4
Assistive aids remains inaccessible to bulk of those with disabilities, says global report - The Hindu

8
disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric or
socio functional levels.

DDRS' outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 130 125 125 130 165
Revised Estimate 85 105 105 130 Unavailable
Proportion of
investment on
Deendayal
Disabled
Rehabilitation
Scheme out of
department's
outlay (in %) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 9.808433744 10.66762249 10.3099586 10.6109456 13.46641965
Revised Estimate 9.444444444 10.05448574 10.33484911 10.61215827 Unavailable

The proportional
outlay to DDRS
from that
DEPwD's outlay
shows an
increasing trend.
The year on year
budget estimates
have remained
around 126
crores from
2020 - 2023
which was
drastically
increased to 165
crores in the
interim budget of '24-'25 which is a positive trend with increasing utilisation. The percentage of
revision showed a declining trend from -34% in '20-21 to -16% in '21-22. The overall utilisation
of funds was also at 63% in '20-21 which increased to 80% in '21-22 and yet again has increased
to 91% in '22-'24. The increase in utilisation should help in checking the reducing the number of

9
beneficiaries and model projects as highlighted in the department's previous annual report over
the years.But, on the contrary the outlay has witnessed increasing trend which may be the result
of cost centre in operations. Thus, the outreach has to be increased with grants in aid being
utilised by more civil society organisations.

Year
Physical achievement

No. of NGOs assisted No. of beneficiaries

2018-19 543 41803

2019-20 432 38004

2020-21 340 31542

2021-22 (as on 185 16266

31.12.2021)

The unmet rehabilitation needs are even higher in developing nations5. Thus, cost management
or increasing the outlay will only support or sustain the outreach.

4. Support to National Trust

The National Trust is a statutory body constituted under the “National Trust for the welfare of
persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities Act 1999”. The
National Trust has been set up to discharge two basic duties- legal and welfare. Legal through
Local Level Committees and providing legal guardianship.

Support of National
Trust's outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 39.5 30 35 0 0
Revised Estimate 30 30 0 0 Unavailable

5
Rehabilitation (who.int)

10
Support of National
Trust's outlay out of
department's outlay
(in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
2.98025486 2.56022939 2.88678840
Budget Estimate 8 7 7 0 0
3.33333333 2.87271021
Revised Estimate 3 1 0 0 Unavailable

There is decline in both outlay as per face value as well as proportional outlay for National Trust
with respect to that of department's expenditure outlay.The scaling down of outlay in the
revision has been drastically grounded at INR 0 from INR 35 crores in '23-'24, which continues
in this year;s interim budget as well. Considering the increase in number of NGOs registered
with the trust, number of local level committees, increasing number of beneficiaries / outreach in
it's schemes like Disha,
VIKAAS centres,
Samarth Centres,
Gharaunda centres,
Niramaya scheme can
only be sustained if
such trend is not
followed ahead. The
revision cut from
budget estimates since
'22-'23 is surprising
given that the actual
utilisation increased in
previous years and rose
to 100% despite
revision to 0 crores in
the year '22-'23. The utilisation was at 75% in '20-'21 and 93% in '21-22 and yet the budget
estimates lately has bereft the trust's outlay to absolute zero.Yet, there has been no budgetary
allocation in this year's interim budget Such measures must be continued or planned schemes
will get revised to accommodate for decreased budget like happened with it's scheme Prerna
(marketing assistance) and Sambhav (Aids and assistive device). Thus, the outlay must be
increased in proportion to rising stakeholders carrying out schemes and beneficiaries to sustain
operations and outreach. This is especially shocking for mental and neurological healthcare
sector given the latest cognizance by NHRC of 46 government mental healthcare institutions

11
which remain in deplorable condition and follow inhumane treatment of illegally kept patients in
the hospital highlighting much needed capacity development of professionals6.

5. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)

The RCI regulates and monitors the training programmes for professionals and personnel in the
field of rehabilitation and special education, promotes research in rehabilitation and special
education and maintains the Central Rehabilitation Register.

RCI's outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 5.5 5.5 6.4 6.4 4.5
Revised Estimate 5.5 5.5 6.4 6.4 Unavailable
RCI's outlay out
of department's
outlay (in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 0.4149721969 0.4693753894 0.5278698801 0.5223850141 0.3672659904
Revised Estimate 0.6111111111 0.5266635386 0.6299336601 0.5224447147 Unavailable

The outlay in
terms of budget
estimate in face
value and in
proportional terms
show an upward
trend which has
been reduced in
the latest interim
budget. This will
impact the per unit
allocation for
meeting the needs
of institutes and
professionals

6
NHRC says all the 46 Government Mental Healthcare Institutions across the country depict a very
pathetic and inhuman handling by different stakeholders; issues notices | National Human Rights
Commission India

12
carrying out the courses of RCI, conducting meetings for development of disability training
courses and other activities being carried out by RCI. Thus, increase in outlay in similar
proportions of increasing outreach will be required to sustain the efforts as the utilisation by RCI
has been consistently at 100% lately till 2023 and it should instead promote higher allocation
than downward allocation to 4.5 crore in '24-'25. Yet, the pool of human resources to be
developed, like the number of registered special educators with RCI is far less than the
requirement in India7.

6. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)

It is wholly owned by the Government of India and has an authorised share capital of Rs.499.50
crore (Rupees Four Hundred Ninety Nine Crore and Fifty Lakhs only). The company is managed
by a Board of Directors nominated by the Government of India. The main objective of NHFDC
is to promote self-employment and other ventures for the benefit/economic rehabilitation of
persons with disabilities.

Though the vision of the company was empowerment of persons with disabilities, since 2020 the
government of India has not taken any step for economic rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities. The Government of India did not consider the demand of self empowerment of
persons with disabilities and did not allot any fund from 2020. This act raises questions on the
establishment of the company and its motive for welfare of persons with disabilities.
The allocation itself has been stopped lately which will devalue the status of self employment for
persons with disabilities unless similar dedicated measure is introduced in tandem with schemes
like SFURTI8 or National Rural Livelihood Mission by the Ministry of MSME or Ministry of
Rural Development respectively.

NHFDC's outlay
of expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0
Revised Estimate 0 0 0 0
NHFDC's outlay
out of
department's
outlay (in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
0.0007544949 0.0008534097 0.0008247966
Budget Estimate 034 989 876 0.0008162265845 0

7
How much do we care for special education needs? | Deccan Herald
8
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/apr/doc20224636101.pdf

13
Revised Estimate 0 0 0 0

It is alarming to witness that income generating activities which serve the purpose of NHFDC
have always received revised allocation of INR O crores which will only enhance the need of the
government to invest on welfare schemes when persons with disabilities have potential to
contribute 1 trillion to the economy9.

7. Social Security Schemes

● Article 28 (2) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD) : State Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to
social protection and to the enjoyment of that right without discrimination on the basis of
disability and shall take appropriate steps to safeguard and promote the realisation of this
right
● Article 24 (1) states that the appropriate Government shall within the limit of its
economic capacity and development formulate necessary schemes and programmes to
safeguard and promote the right of persons with disabilities for adequate standard of
living to enable them to live independently or in the community:

9
Disability Sector in India Could Contribute $1 Trillion To Economy By 2047: Indian-American Industrial
Leader (businessoutreach.in)

14
 ● Provided that the quantum of assistance to the persons with disabilities under such
schemes and programmes shall be at least twenty five percent higher that the similar
schemes applicable to others

Social security
and welfare's
outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 1126.79 988.59 1007.84 1119.72 1112.02
Revised Estimate 761.16 908.55 929.9 1122.75 Unavailable
Social security
and welfare's
outlay out of
department's
outlay (in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 85.01573122 84.3672393 83.12630936 91.39452312 90.75713924
Revised Estimate 84.57333333 87.00002873 91.52739227 91.65231304 Unavailable

The proportional
outlay has been
gently increasing
over the years and
the cuts in the
revision have also
reduced with
respect to budget
estimates at -32%
in '20-21 to 8% in
'21-'22 to 7% in
'22-'23 and only
0.2% in last year.
The trend should
continue to support
the social services
and assistance for welfare of persons with disabilities with increasing utilisation as happened
from 68% in '20-'21 to 95% in '22-'23 financial year. This head receives the largest share from
the department and needs continuation in scenarios of decreasing pattern witnessed for
scholarship, ALIMCO, RCI, National Trust and SIPDA which will essentially limit persons with

15
disabilities to attain independent living with the prevailing scenario of education, skill
development and employment.
The probability of poverty amongst persons with disability in lack of education, employment,
affordable access to health care creates a scenario to enhance the efforts of social security and
welfare10.

8. Schemes for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA)
The main objective of the scheme is to ensure creation of a barrier free environment for persons
with disabilities. Accessible India Campaign was launched as a nationwide flagship campaign
for achieving Universal Accessibility and enabling persons with disabilities to gain access for
equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive
society.
As per section 40 of the RPwD Act, 2016 the Central Government shall, in consultation with
Chief Commissioner, formulate rules for persons with disabilities laying down the standards of
accessibility. Section 16 of RPwD Rules stated that the Central Government shall review from
time to time the accessibility standards notified based on the latest scientific knowledge and
technology. As such, 11 Ministries/ Departments have submitted their inputs and necessary
consultation has already been extended to 08 Ministries / Departments

● Article 9 (1) of the UNCRPD: To enable persons with disabilities to live independently
and participate fully in all aspects of life, state parties shall take appropriate measures to
ensure to persons with disabilities access on an equal basis with others to the physical
environment to transportation, to information and communications including information
and communications technologies and systems and to other facilities and services open or
provided to the public both in urban and in rural areas. These measures which shall
include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility shall
apply to inter alia:
a) Buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities including
schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces
b) Information, communications and other services including electronic services and
emergency services
● Section 40 of the RPwD Act 2016 states that the Central Government shall in
consultation with the Chief Commissioner, formulate rules for persons with disabilities
laying down the standards of accessibility for the physical environment, transportation,
information and communications including appropriate technologies and systems and
other facilities and services provided to the public in urban and rural areas

10
Disability Inclusion Overview (worldbank.org)

16
SIPDA's outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 251.5 209.77 240.39 150 135.33
Revised Estimate 122.89 147.31 100 67 Unavailable
SIPDA's outlay out of
department's outlay
(in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
18.9755468 17.9019773 19.8272875
Budget Estimate 2 5 7 12.24339877 11.04491255
13.6544444 9.84271343
Revised Estimate 4 14.1059647 9 5.469343107 Unavailable

The budget
estimates over
years at face value
have witnessed a
sinusoidal outlay
which has
translated to decline
in terms of revised
proportional outlay.
However, the
revisions made
each year are quite
high like up to
-51% in '20-'21,
-29% in '21-'22 and
rising again to more than -55% in following years, with respect to budget estimate. In addition
the actual utilisation remains low at 41% in '20-21 and 51% in '21-22 dipping to lowest of 27%
in '22-'23 which highlights underutilization of more than two third of the outlay. The
underutilisation is leading to lowest allocation of 135 crores in interim budget of '24-'25
highlighting an alarming trend. It will have major implication towards creation of barrier free

17
environment in the country, skill development action plan to enhance employment rates,
Accessible India campaign, functioning of braille presses, awareness and publicity, research on
disability related technology, UDID generation, sensitization of key functionaries in government,
establishment of colleges for deaf, spinal injury centre and ultimately disability inclusion in a
holistic sense. Thus, the department should scale utilisation and reduce drastic revisions
considering the scale of transformation being covered by the scheme. It is crucial for actual
enforcement of the act, honouring the needs being raised by disabled people’s organisations11.

9. Centre for Disability Sports

The Cabinet in its meeting held on 28.02.2019 approved establishment of one Center for
Disability
Sports at Gwalior (M.P.) with an estimated cost of Rs. 170.99 crores spread over a period of 5
years. Sport facilities would include outdoor activities like Archery, Athletics, Football and
Tennis, and Indoor activities like Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Sitting
Volleyball, Judo, Taekwondo, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair rugby, Boccia, Goalball, Football
5-a-Side, Para Dance Sport and Para
Powerlifting as well as a hostel. Construction of the building and other infrastructure of the
centre are being undertaken by the CPWD on turnkey basis which is likely to be completed by
June, 2022.

Centre for Disability

Sports' outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 100 53.41 60 76 25
Revised Estimate 19.5 40 56 76 Unavailable
Centre for Disability
Sports' outlay out of
department's outlay
(in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
7.54494903 4.55806173 4.94878012
Budget Estimate 4 6 6 6.203322042 2.040366613
2.16666666 3.83028028 5.51191952
Revised Estimate 7 1 6 6.204030988 Unavailable

11
‘Poor Accessibility Standards, Lack of Govt Interest Mars Progress': Disability Rights Activists
(thewire.in)

18
Although, the budget estimates witnessed a 47% year to year cut in '21-22 as compared to
previous budget but since then the outlay has been gradually rising including the proportional
revised estimates.This trend suddenly witnesses the worst allocation in recent years to 25 crores
in interim budget of '24-'25 despite the marvellous show put up by para athletes in the recent
paralympic 202312.The recent performance of paralympians demands no less if the utilisation is
enhanced from 18% utilisation in '20-'21 to 74% in '21-'22. The underutilization of 43% in year
'22-'23 should not lead to deploration of sports development in such a drastic manner. It is
necessary to invest in sports as it is a powerful medium to support inclusion by transforming
social behaviours and promote well being of persons with disabilities13.

10. Scholarship for students with disabilities' outlay of expenditure

The main aim of the scholarship is to empower students with disabilities and to get better
livelihood opportunities. Sustainable livelihood leads to enhancement of the socio-economic
condition of people, likewise in case of persons with disabilities it assures a dignified place in the
society.

12
Indian para athletes create history, bag 111 medals in Hangzhou Asian Para Games - The Hindu
13
Wheelchair basketball: The language of sport transcends barriers at tournament in India | International
Committee of the Red Cross (icrc.org)

19
Scholarship for
students with
disabilities'
outlay of
expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 125 125 105 155 142.68
Revised Estimate 100 110 145 155 Unavailable
Scholarship for
students with
disabilities'
outlay out of
department's
outlay (in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 9.431186292 10.66762249 8.66036522 12.65151206 11.64478033
Revised Estimate 11.11111111 10.53327077 14.27193449 12.65295794 Unavailable

It has followed a varying proportional revised budget which along with proportional budget
estimate. While the budget estimate increased drastically by 47% to 155 crores in the last
financial year, without any revisions, it has been reduced by 12 crores this year. In Spite of the
fact that , the utilisation had also increased from 77%% in '20-21 to 96% in '21-'22 and rose to as
high as 135% in '22-'23 highlighting the demand for the scheme. The same has not been
considered to increase the outlay this year. This will impact educational needs of persons with
disability given that more

than 70% of
persons with
disability in the
minor age group
are left out of
schooling, and
further studies
thus allocation
and utilisation
should follow an
upward trend
given the
14
utilisation. .

14
Developing schools without barriers (thehindu.com)

20
The needs of persons with disabilities are evolving and while we are yet to implement schemes
and programs in direction envisioned under RPwD Act 2016, there are emerging issues like
disaster management, climate change which need assertive measures and outlay to reach the last
mile.

11. National Institutes

There are 9 National Institutes whose objective is to develop a capable human resource pool
towards disability inclusion, providing expertise in rehabilitation measures and enhancing
research and development in the field of disability15.

National Institutes'
outlay of expenditure 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
Budget Estimate 360 319 365 385 370
Revised Estimate 260.75 332 310 408.75 Unavailable
National Institutes'
outlay out of
department's outlay
(in%) 20-'21 21-'22 22-'23 23-'24 24-'25
27.1618165 27.2237725
Budget Estimate 2 8 30.1050791 31.4247235 30.19742587
28.9722222 31.7913263 30.5124116
Revised Estimate 2 3 6 33.36707455 Unavailable

The proportional budget

as well as revised
estimates have shown a
gentle increasing pattern.
However it has been
reduced to 370 crores in
the interim budget of
'24-25 as compared to
385 crores in previous
financial year. This may
be because of varying
utilisation which stood at
15
National Institutes | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) | India

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71% in '20-'21, made a healthy increase to 103% in following year and again decreased to 89%
in '22-'23. These institutes are crucial toward rehabilitation, research and development and
consumes one of the major chunks of department's outlay which must be maintained ahead.

The underutilization across the majority of initiatives needs to be checked for effective
inclusion of persons with disabilities for their mainstream empowerment. While proper
utilisation and over utilisation of funds in schemes have not been used as a parameter to
address demands and a lot of well performing heads have also received lesser outlay than
last budget. In addition, the lack of capital expenditure on sports, accessibility measures in
SIPDA and on institutions neglect inclusive infrastructural development for long term
utilisation. The allocation for the department and across its activities has to be increased by
leap and bounds and so applies to utilisation to back such a trend.

(The figures mentioned in the document are in crores)

References Used
1. Untitled-1 (disabilityaffairs.gov.in)
2. MSJE Annual Report 2022 English.CDR (disabilityaffairs.gov.in)
3. India Budget | Ministry of Finance | Government of India
4. Calculations for the analysis
5. Aid to understand budget
6. CBGA India - Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability

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