National Resource Kit: The Daman & Diu Chapter (Call for Comments)
The National Resource Kit team is pleased to bring you its research on the state of laws, policies and programmes for persons with disabilities in the union territory of Daman and Diu.
Executive Summary
The Department of Social Welfare is responsible for the welfare of persons with disabilities in Daman & Diu. The union territory has an estimated population of 3171[1] persons with disabilities of a total population of 242,911.[2] Daman & Diu implements one scholarship scheme in Education, two schemes in Skill Training and Employment and two schemes in Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation.
Legal Provisions
The Director of Social Welfare issues photo identity cards for persons with disabilities in Daman & Diu. The various provisions for persons with disabilities are listed below:
Education
1.1 Students with disabilities are eligible for scholarships under the central scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled Children as given in the following table.
| Year | Books & Stationery (Yearly) | Other Allowances (Yearly) | Uniforms (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I – Class IV | Rs. 300 | Rs. 100 | Rs. 200 |
| Class V – Class VIII | Rs. 350 | Rs. 150 | Rs. 200 |
| Class IX – First Year UG | Rs. 850 | - | - |
| Second Year UG – Final Year UG | Rs. 1250 | - | - |
| Technical Education | Rs. 1700 | - | - |
Skill Training and Employment
2.1 The government provides three per cent reservation for persons with disabilities in Grade C and Grade D government posts in direct recruitment. Reservations are provided at one per cent for visually impaired, one per cent for hearing impaired and one per cent for locomotor disabled.
2.2 Persons with disabilities are eligible for age relaxation of up to ten years in upper age limit for applying to government positions.
2.3 Persons with disabilities are provided an assistance of up to Rs. 5000 for self employment. 25 per cent of the amount is provided as subsidy while 75 per cent of the amount is provided as interest free loan. Persons with disabilities applying for the loan should have annual income less than Rs. 6000. Assistance is provided for the following options as listed.
| Business | Assistance |
| Cycle shop | Rs. 2500 |
| Tailoring shop | Rs. 2500 |
| Purchase of typewriter | Rs. 4000 |
| Cottage industries | Rs. 3000 |
| Setting up of kiosks / handcarts | Rs. 5000 |
Social Security, Health, Rehabilitation and Recreation
3.1 The government provides a disability pension of Rs. 60 per month for persons with disabilities who are above the age of 55 years.
3.2 Students with disabilities are eligible for free transportation in government and private buses. Persons with disabilities and their escorts are eligible for 50 per cent concession in transportation.
[1]. http://socialjustice.nic.in/statewisedisabled.php
[2]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daman_and_Diu
[3].http://punarbhava.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=87
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