The DDRS aims to promote voluntary efforts for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities in society. The scheme supports NGOs and other organizations in providing services such as education, early intervention, vocational training, and community-based rehabilitation.
To apply for financial assistance under DDRS, organizations must be:
Registered under:
The Societies Registration Act, 1860, or any relevant State/Union Territory Act.
The Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or any similar Act.
Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, or any other relevant Act.
Additional Requirements:
Minimum two years of existence at the time of application.
Properly constituted governing body with clearly defined powers, duties, and responsibilities.
Non-profit operation, ensuring no individual or group benefits financially.
Non-discriminatory practices concerning sex, religion, caste, or creed.
Adequate resources, facilities, and experience to undertake the proposed programs.
Sound financial position, with separate accounts for DDRS grants.
Standard Funding:
Up to 90% of the project cost, based on revised cost norms, is provided as grant-in-aid.
The remaining 10% must be contributed by the implementing agency from its own resources.
Special Areas:
For projects located in special areas, 100% funding is available.
Release of Funds:
Up to 50% can be released after submission of half-yearly audited accounts.
Up to 75% can be released after nine-monthly audited accounts.
Up to 100% can be released after submission of audited accounts for the entire financial year.
NGO Darpan Registration:
Register on the NGO Darpan portal of NITI Aayog to obtain a Unique ID.
Online Application:
Submit the application through the E-Anudaan portal at grants.depwd.gov.in.
Documentation:
Provide necessary documents, including:
Registration certificates.
Details of the governing body.
Rent agreements (if applicable).
Audited financial statements.
Approval Process:
Applications are reviewed by District and State authorities before being forwarded to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for final approval.
Eligibility:
Persons with benchmark disabilities (40% or more), as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Valid UDID card is required.
Age Criteria:
Varies by project type:
Cross-disability pre-schools/early intervention: 0-6 years.
Special schools (hearing/visual/other disabilities): 5-18/23 years.
Specific learning disability centres: 3-18 years.
Rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons / Mental illness centres: No age limit.
Therapy & counselling centres: No age limit.
Income Criteria:
No income limit is applicable for beneficiaries.
The scheme supports various model projects, including:
Cross Disability Pre-Schools and Early Intervention
With provisions for Home-Based and Community-Based Rehabilitation.
Special Schools for Children with Disabilities
Catering to hearing, visual, and other disabilities.
Community-Based and Home-Based Rehabilitation Programs
Low Vision Centres
Merged with Special Schools for Visual Disabilities.
Projects for Cerebral Palsy Children
Merged with Special Schools for Intellectual Disabilities and other conditions.
Rehabilitation of Leprosy-Cured Persons
Half-Way Homes for Psycho-Social Rehabilitation
For individuals with mental illnesses.
Preparatory/Remediation Centres for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
Cross-Disability Therapy and Counselling Centres
NGO Darpan Registration:
Mandatory for all organizations applying for grants.
Audited Accounts:
Regular submission of audited accounts is required for fund release.
Beneficiary Lists:
Organizations must upload beneficiary lists on their websites at the start of each academic year.
Payment Methods:
Honorarium payments to staff must be made through Electronic Clearing System (ECS); cash payments are not permitted.
For detailed guidelines, application formats, and further information:
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD):
E-Anudaan Portal:
NGO Darpan Portal: