Various govt schemes for ELDERLY,WIDOWS AND PHYSICALLY &MENTALLY CHALLENGED

DESCRIBES VARIOUS GOVT SCHEMES FOR THE WELFARE OF ELDERLY,WIDOWS AND PHYSICALLY &MENTALLY CHALLENGED

1. Various govt schemes for elderly widow physically and mentally challenged Sit Dolor Amet

2. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) Specially intended for older adults above the age of 60 years, who fall below the poverty line, according to the guidelines prescribed by the Government of India. The IGNOAPS assists with money up to 200 p.m., and 500 p.m., for people between 60 and 79 years and above 80 years, respectively.

3. National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) Introduced in 2010, this scheme concentrates on preventive as well as promotive care for the maintenance of overall health. This program was launched to address the health issues faced by seniors. The district-level objectives include providing dedicated health facilities in district hospitals, community health centres (CHC), primary health centres (PHC), and sub-centres (SC) levels through State Health Society. These facilities maybe free or highly subsidised

4. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana This scheme provides physical aids and assisted-living devices for older adults above 60 years of age that belong to the BPL (below the poverty line) category. So, if senior citizens wish to avail this, then they must have a BPL card. This is a Central Sector Scheme and is entirely funded by the Central Government.

5. Kerala govt schemes for elder

6. Vayomotram project Kerala Social Security Mission is implementing the Vayomithram project which provides health care and support to elderly above the age of 65 years residing at Corporation/Municipal Areas in the state. The Vayomithram project mainly provides free medicines through mobile clinics, Palliative care, Help desk to the old age.

7. Sayamprabha home Sayamprabha Home” project is a new initiative of Social Justice Department that provides Day Care facilities in co-operation with LSGD institutions. These day care facilities offer an opportunity for the senior citizens to mingle with their own age group; it can also provide solace to elderly who suffer loneliness during daytime. As an initial phase 70 such Day care centres have been identified operated by LSGD institutions which will provide counseling programmes, Yoga meditation programmes to the Senior Citizens.

8. SCHEME FOR WIDOWS

9. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme provides pension of Rs. 300 per month to widowed women in BPL category and above 40 years of age. After attaining the age of 80 years, the woman is eligible to receive Rs. 500 per month

10. Scheme of Widow Remarriage - Mangalya Women belonging to the age group of 18 – 50 yrs who are legally divorced and widowed. Financial Assistance of Rs. 25,000/- is provided for eligible widows and divorced women. Remarriage certificate (remarriage taken place before the respective registrar) should be produced.

11. Abhayakiranam scheme-Financial assistance to destitute widows With an objective of providing a safe and better living environment to destitute and homeless widows, Social Justice Department has started a new initiative called ‘ Abhayakiranam ’ scheme. This scheme provides monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000/- to the close relatives of destitute widows who provide protection and shelter to them.

12. The scheme propose to extend a helping hand to these families by way of providing financial assistance to self employment. This is a one time Financial Assistance.

13. GOVT SCHEME FOR PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED

14. Scheme to promote Voluntary Action for Persons with Disabilities (Umbrella Scheme) :The enactment of the people with disabilities, equal opportunities and protection of Right Act of 1995 is a landmark legislation and an expression of India’s commitment of social justice.

15. Scheme of Assistance to disabled persons for purchase/lifting of aids & appliances (ADIP) :The Scheme aims at helping the disabled persons by bringing suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach. That can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and “enhance their economic potential.

16. Education programmes for children with special needs The community at large is often unaware of the potential of children with special needs. In the popular mind, special needs are usually identified with very low expectations. Inclusive education supports the idea of having all the children with special needs enrolled in mainstream schools with appropriate modifications as far as possible. After the assessment of their disabilities by a team of specialists (a doctor, a psychologist, and a special educator), the child will be placed in appropriate educational setting . Open and special schools also offer vocational courses for children with disabilities

17. Employment of the handicapped Assistance to the disabled persons in getting gainful employment is available either through the special cells in normal employment exchanges or through special employment exchanges for physically handicapped.

18. Reservation of jobs and other facilities for disabled persons As per the order of government of India, reservationof3% in jobs have been made in Grade 'C' and ' D'posts for the physically handicapped persons. The categories benefited are given below:Category of Disability Percentage of Reservation The Blind1%The Deaf1%The Orthopedic Handicapped1% As per the provision, relaxation on age, qualification, and exemption of fees etc were provided for the persons with disability

19. Scheme of Integrated Education for the Disabled Children Is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 1974 by the Department of Social Welfare and after transferred to Department of Education in 1982. Under the scheme handicapped children are sought to be integrated in normal school system. The Hearing Handicapped (mild and moderate impaired only) are provided allowance for purchase of Books, stationery, uniform, transport and disabled children residing in school hostels within the same institution where they are studying may also be paid boarding and lodging charges as admissible under Govt. rules/schemes.

20. Scholarships forthe Disabled The Scheme of Scholarship is operated by union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through State Governments to disabled persons from the 9th class onwards for general technical or professional education. The scholarhip is awarded for all kinds of handicapped students subject to their obtaining of atleast 40% marks at the last annual examination

21. Railway Travel Concession The Ministry of Railway allows the disabled persons/patients to travel at concessional fares in Indian railways. Deaf persons are allowed 50% concession in single and return journey rail fares on production of Medical Certificate issued by the Govt. Medical Officer. After verifying the certificate concessional tickets will be issued by the station master.

22. National Trust Schemes DISHA - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme - This is an early intervention and school readiness scheme for children upto 10 years with the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act. VIKAAS - Day Care - A day care scheme for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities, above 10 years for enhancing interpersonal and vocational skills. SAMARTH - Respite Care - TA scheme to provide respite home for orphans, families in crisis, Persons with Disabilities ( PwD ) from BPL, LIG families with at least one of the four disabilities covered under the National Trust Act. GHARAUNDA - Group Home for Adults - This scheme provides housing and care services throughout the life of the person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. NIRAMAYA - Health Insurance Scheme - This scheme is to provide affordable Health Insurance to persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

23. SAHYOGI - Caregiver training scheme - A scheme to set up Caregiver Cells (CGCs) for training and creating skilled workforce of caregivers to care for Person with Disabilities ( PwD ) and their families. GYAN PRABHA - Educational support - A scheme to encourage people with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities for pursuing educational/ vocational courses. PRERNA - Marketing Assistance - A marketing scheme to create viable & wide spread channels for sale of products and services produced by persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities. SAMBHAV - Aids and Assistive Devices - This is a scheme to setup additional resource centres in each city, to collate and collect the Aids, software and other form of assistive devices.

24. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme provides pension of Rs. 300 per month to persons in BPL category with disability level of 80% or more. An eligible person must be at least 18 years of age and after attaining the age of 80 years, the person is eligible to receive Rs. 500 per month.