Maharashtra Cabinet Earmarks 1% Of District Annual Plan Funds For Persons With Disabilities, ₹218 Crore Expected

Maharashtra's Cabinet has allocated 1% of the District Annual Plan (General) funds to support the welfare, rehabilitation, and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This decision, made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is anticipated to generate approximately ₹218 crore for the state's districts in the 2026-27 financial year, according to Disability Welfare Minister Atul Save.

The funds will be utilized for acquiring modern assistive devices such as e-bikes, electric wheelchairs, tablets, talking laptops, screen readers, and smart glasses for persons with disabilities. The initiative will also concentrate on enhancing access to education and employment opportunities. It will support digital educational resources for students with disabilities, various skill development programs, employment and self-employment prospects, and assistance in obtaining Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards.

Additionally, the government intends to conduct special camps, offer financial aid for childcare, and develop barrier-free infrastructure to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities. The scheme's implementation will be overseen by district collectors, who have the power to approve administrative tasks. Assistance will be provided through assistant commissioners or district disability empowerment officers.

The scheme's approval will be granted only after technical approval from a scrutiny committee, ensuring the proposed works conform to specified requirements. Minister Save emphasized that the decision aims to broaden opportunities for persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, employment, and rehabilitation, while fostering their social inclusion and self-reliance.