An Assessment of Current Status and Trends of Govt. Expenditure on Disability in India

Abstract

A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movement, sense or activities or a disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognized by the law is called Disability. The present study assesses the current scenario and trends of govt. expenditure on disabled persons in India. The study is based on secondary data. The study finds that in India about 2.68 Crore persons are disabled which is 2.21% of the total population. Among the social groups SCs have the highest percentage 2.45% of disabled persons. The highest percentage 17% of disabled persons is among the age group 10-19 years. 20% of the disabled persons are having disability in movement type of disability. As far as govt. expenditure in this sector is concerned, the figures are not satisfactory. Only 0.035% of the total outlay in budget 2010 - 11 was allocated to the sector which increases a little bit to 0.039% in budget 2017-18. The govt. need to review the figures and should allocate more for the betterment of the disabled persons as they are a valuable part of our society.