Parliamentary Committee Criticizes Underutilization of Disability Funds
A parliamentary committee criticized the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for underutilizing funds and failing to meet targets in key schemes. The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment urged improvements in coordination, fund tracking, and inclusive planning for better welfare outcomes for disabled individuals.
- Country:
- India
A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) for continuous underutilization of allocated funds and reduced physical targets in key disability schemes, warning of detrimental impacts on their welfare.
The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment's 13th report, presented in Parliament, reviewed actions taken on its prior recommendations related to the 2025–26 Demands for Grants. While acknowledging some corrective measures, the panel highlighted several unsatisfactory government responses requiring reiteration.
The report exposed inconsistent fund usage across flagship schemes such as ADIP, SIPDA, DDRS, and scholarships, noting recurring issues with procedural delays and weak state coordination. Recommendations included real-time tracking systems, enhanced forecasting, and stronger accountability to ensure effective resource allocation for disability welfare.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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