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Disability benefits serve to help integrate the disabled better in Society. As per Census 2011 of India , about 2.21 percent of the population ( about 2.68 Crore out of 121 Crore at the time ) is ‘disabled’ in some manner or another.
India has long recognized – on its own, as well as a consequence of being signatory to several international conventions, that the disabled are as well a valuable human resource for the country. Besides, it seeks to create an environment that provides equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in Society.
Towards that intent, many benefits are offered towards the cause of helping the disabled or alleviating disability and enabling the disabled to participate in mainstream economic activities.
Some such benefits are listed hereunder. Links as of time of writing this article are also provided. Since these benefits change from time to time, this article is only a preliminary guide.
- Concession on railways: Railways allow persons with disability to travel at concession fares up to 75% in the first, sleeper, AC Chair and second classes. For totally deaf and dumb, traveling alone or with an escort, railways allow 50% concession in second, sleeper and first class. For more information:
https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/establishment/ENG-II/pt1_5.pdf - Air travel concessions: Indian Airlines allow 50% concession fares to blind persons on single journeys for all domestic flights. Disabled persons suffering from locomotor disability to the extent of 80% and above and are residents of India can avail 50% of Basic fare of select booking class in Economy cabin. More information :
https://enabled.in/wp/travel-concessions-for-the-differently-abled-persons/ - Conveyance allowance: All Central government employees who are blind or orthopedically handicapped are granted conveyance at 5% of basic pay subject to a maximum of INR 100 per month. For more information:
https://punarbhava.in/index.php/legal-instruments/recommendations-of-6th-pc/special-benefits-for-disable-employees - Allowance for child care for women with disabilities and Education Allowance for disabled children of Govt. employees: Women with disabilities shall be paid Rs. 1000/- per month as Special Allowance for Child care. The allowance shall be payable from the time of the child’s birth till the child is two year old. It shall be payable for a maximum of two children. For more information:
https://punarbhava.in/index.php/legal-instruments/recommendations-of-6th-pc/special-benefits-for-disable-employees - S. 80U of Income Tax act: Section 80U offers tax benefits if any person suffers from disability. People who are suffering from a disability of at least 40% can claim a tax deduction of at least Rs.75,000 on their income. For more information:
https://www.policybazaar.com/income-tax/section-80u-deductions/ - S. 80DD of Income Tax Act : Under this provision, if a taxpayer has a disabled dependent with disability not less than 40 %, an amount of Rs. 75,000 ( if disability between 40 % to 80 % ) and Rs. 125,000 ( if disability more than 80 % ) may be deducted from the taxpayer’s taxable income. For more information see :
https://cleartax.in/s/who-can-claim-deduction-under-section-80dd - Economic assistance by banks: The NHFDC (National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation) is a central government corporation that falls under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have come up with three major loan schemes like- Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojna, Vishesh Microfinance Yojana, Educational Loan. For more information:
https://www.creditmantri.com/article-loan-facility-for-physically-handicapped-person/
Besides, scholarship schemes are often announced for people with disabilities, there are reservations in Government jobs, prosthetic aids and assistive devices may be subsidized,loans for starting one’s own business may be available from Banks at lower interest rates, insurance schemes may offer some concessions, and vehicle registration may be done at lower rates. Generally these schemes are well publicized in the media as and when they are launched and a qualifying disabled may take advantage of them.
If you have any information about a scheme to help the disabled , please put here or join one of our groups for ongoing conversations.