(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) GOVERNMENT SCHEMES FOR DIVYANG JAN

(NOVEMBER-2024)

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES FOR DIVYANG JAN

Inspiring Icons of Divyang Jan

Global Figures:

Albert Einstein: Scientist with dyslexia, one of history’s greatest minds.
Stephen Hawking: Renowned theoretical physicist with ALS, author of “A Brief History of Time.”
Helen Keller: Deaf-blind author and activist, pioneered disability awareness.
Tom Cruise: Actor with dyslexia, an advocate for learning disabilities.
Frida Kahlo: Mexican artist, used her work to express resilience amid physical challenges.

Indian Icons:

Sudha Chandran: Renowned classical dancer, continued performing with a prosthetic leg.
Ravindra Jain: Noted music composer and lyricist, visually impaired, famous in Indian cinema.
Ajit Jogi: First Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, overcame physical challenges.
Arunima Sinha: First female amputee to scale Mount Everest.
Shekhar Naik: Blind cricketer, captain of India’s visually impaired cricket team.
Ira Singhal: UPSC topper with scoliosis, a civil services officer advocating for inclusivity.

Impact: These inspirational figures motivate millions, demonstrating that disabilities do not confine potential, urging Divyang Jans to chase ambitious aspirations.

Current Landscape and Hurdles

WHO Statistics:

Global Crisis: 400 million disabled individuals in developing countries encounter resource barriers.
Access Inequity: Absence of inclusion in economic, social, and political frameworks.

India’s Census 2011 Figures:

Total Divyang Population: 2.1% of 1.23 billion, equating to approximately 26 million people.
Leading States in Disability Rates: Uttar Pradesh (15.76%), Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra.
Literacy Rates: 1.5 crore (out of 2.7 crore) Divyang Jans were literate, with further advancements in recent years.

Urban vs. Rural Disparity:

Rural Issues: Restricted access to governmental benefits and initiatives.
Urban Accessibility: Better availability of services but still faces bureaucratic challenges.

Employment Struggles:

Skill Development Council and NDFDC: Offers skill training, loans, and entrepreneurship support for economic upliftment.
Unemployment Challenges: High unemployment ratios continue despite skills development strategies.

Divyangjan Empowerment Initiatives

Individual Empowerment Programs

Focus Aspects: Guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, social security, and promoting self-worth.

Disability Certification:

Significance: Required for accessing majority of government initiatives.
Accessibility: Can be procured at CMO offices or government hospitals, facilitating access.

Unique Disability ID (UDID):

Advantages: Concessions in fees, scholarships, loans, unemployment assistance, transport rebates.
Travel Perks: Discounts for trains, buses, and select domestic flights (Air India based on disability type and severity).

Aid in Assistive Devices (ADIP Scheme)

Aim: Financial support for acquiring devices to enhance functionality and independence.
Eligibility: Available for Divyang Jans requiring durable, scientifically crafted equipment.
Equipment Provided: Encompasses wheelchairs, hearing aids, Braille kits, and prosthetics.

Social Respect Programs

Recognition Initiatives:

National Distinctions: Awarded on World Disability Day (3rd December).
State Distinctions: Certain states, such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, honor exceptional contributions.
Media Inclusivity: Promoting inclusive representation to shift societal mindsets.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

Financial Support for Entrepreneurship:
Loan Ceiling: Up to ₹50 lakh with reduced interest rates for self-employment endeavors.
Supportive Bodies: National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) provides financial assistance for business pursuits.

Skill Development Programs:

Training Opportunities: Skill training centers in multiple states for vocational training.
Self-Employment: Preparing individuals for sustainable self-employment prospects.

Schemes by the National Trust

Disha – Early Intervention:

Target Group: For children under 10 years with developmental challenges.
Disha Centers: Offer daycare services, therapy, and training to boost skills.
Family Guidance: Providing support for family members regarding effective care methods.

Daycare Facilities:

Main Objective: Teaching vocational and social skills to children and adults.
Operating Schedule: 6 hours a day, enabling family members to fulfill other obligations.
Skill Development: Emphasis on social abilities, pre-vocational training.

Samarth (Respite Homes):

Beneficiaries: Assists families from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Low Income Group (LIG).
Services Offered: Group homes providing necessary care, including health support.

Gharaunda (Group Home for Adults):

Aim: Lifetime residential care facilities offering vocational training and skill enhancement.
Medical Support: Access to essential healthcare and therapeutic services.

Nirmaya (Health Insurance Program):

Insurance Coverage: Health insurance up to ₹5 lakh annually.
Premium Exemptions: Subsidized premiums for eligible Divyang Jans.
Comprehensive Coverage: Includes inpatient treatment, surgeries, and therapies.

Sahayogi (Caregiver Training):

Objective: Training caregivers to assist Divyang Jans at home.
Course Types: Family-level and advanced caregiver courses to ensure all-encompassing support.

Gyanprabha (Academic Assistance)

Aim: Offers scholarships and financial support for learning and vocational training.
Advantages: Addresses educational costs, such as tuition, textbooks, and travel expenses.

Prerna (Promotional Assistance)

Goal: Advocates for products made by Divyang Jans through fairs and exhibitions.
Benefits: Financial backing for event participation and incentives based on sales performance.

Sambhav (Adaptive Device Resource Centers)

Establishment of Centers: Various cities in India host resource centers offering assistive devices.
Access to Resources: Information on assistive devices and practical access for Divyang Jans.

Bhadte Kadam (Awareness and Sensitization)

Objective: Enhance social perceptions and foster social inclusion.
Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations for disability awareness outreach events.
Educational Initiatives: Organizes sessions to inform families, educational institutions, and workplaces about inclusivity.

Way Ahead

Influence of Government Initiatives: Numerous schemes are actively facilitating the empowerment of Divyang Jans in India with financial, educational, and societal support.
Information Challenges: Many eligible individuals are unaware of the benefits available to them.
Bureaucratic Obstacles: Acquiring necessary documentation like the UDID is still a complicated process.

Conclusion:

Enhanced accessibility, simplified application procedures, and heightened social consciousness are vital for dismantling barriers, allowing Divyang Jans to exercise their rights and live with dignity.