Overview of Divyang Sahara Yojana
The Divyang Sahara Yojana is a flagship social security programme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with various Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). The scheme was introduced in 2021 with the explicit aim of providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across India. By focusing on self‑employment, skill development and entrepreneurship, the initiative seeks to integrate PwDs into the mainstream economy and reduce economic disparities. Eligible beneficiaries receive seed capital, technical training, market linkages and access to assistive technology through a network of partner agencies, including state governments, NGOs and private sector firms.
Key objectives of the scheme include:
- Providing financial assistance of up to INR 5 lakh for micro‑enterprise set‑up.
- Facilitating skill‑training in high‑growth sectors such as IT, textiles and agri‑processing.
- Ensuring accessibility of infrastructure and workplaces through bespoke assistive devices.
- Creating market‑oriented linkages that enable PwD‑owned businesses to supply goods to government departments and corporates.
The programme aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive growth. Recent data from the Ministry indicates that over 500,000 PwDs have been registered for the scheme, with a target of reaching 1.5 million beneficiaries by 2028. For more detailed information, refer to the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 
Role of CPSE ALIMCO in Scheme Implementation
CPSE ALIMCO – a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence – has been entrusted with the production and service arm of the Divyang Sahara Yojana. Leveraging its extensive manufacturing capabilities and supply‑chain expertise, ALIMCO delivers high‑quality assistive devices, raw materials for training centres and order‑book contracts for PwD‑owned enterprises. The organisation operates a dedicated “Divyang Production Unit” that manufactures customised prosthetic limbs, mobility aids and adaptive workstations, meeting stringent quality standards while addressing the specific needs of individual beneficiaries.
ALIMCO’s involvement can be summarised in three core functions:
- Production of Assistive Devices: In the first year, the unit produced 15,000 customised devices, ranging from low‑cost mobility aids to sophisticated prosthetic components.
- Skill‑Training Facilitation: The company partners with certified artisans and engineers to deliver training modules that have upskilled 2,500 PwDs in vocational trades such as textile craft, digital services and agri‑processing.
- Micro‑Grant Disbursement: Through a coordinated funding mechanism, ALIMCO has enabled the release of INR 120 crore in seed capital to over 300 start‑ups led by PwDs.
By acting as a conduit between government directives and on‑ground execution, ALIMCO ensures that resources are mobilised efficiently, timelines are adhered to and performance metrics are monitored. This public‑private synergy not only amplifies the impact of the Divyang Sahara Yojana but also sets a replicable model for other PSUs seeking to embed inclusive practices into their operations. For further reading, see the Wikipedia entry on disability inclusion in India.
Economic Impact and Employment Generation
The convergence of CPSE ALIMCO’s production capacity with the objectives of the Divyang Sahara Yojana has generated tangible employment opportunities for PwDs across the country. According to the latest government statistics, more than 3,200 direct jobs have been created in manufacturing sites, training centres and support offices. Indirect employment is also significant, with ancillary businesses reporting a 15 % increase in demand for raw materials and logistics services.
Entrepreneurial activity among beneficiaries has surged, with a recent impact assessment revealing that 48 % of participants have launched micro‑enterprises within six months of receiving scheme benefits. These ventures span diverse sectors including handicrafts, digital solutions, renewable energy components and agri‑processing, thereby diversifying the economic contributions of PwDs and fostering self‑reliance.
From a macro‑economic perspective, the integration of PwDs into the formal workforce is projected to add up to $100 billion to India’s Gross Domestic Product over the next decade. Analysts attribute this potential to the increased productivity, consumer demand and innovation that inclusive employment brings. The scheme thus serves as a strategic lever for India’s ambition to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Funding Mechanism and Governance
Financial allocation for the Divyang Sahara Yojana is overseen by a joint steering committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce. CPSE ALIMCO participates in the committee as a technical advisor, providing insights on production feasibility, cost modelling and risk mitigation.
The funding model combines central government grants, state‑level budgetary allocations and private‑sector contributions. Notably, ALIMCO has committed INR 300 crore over a three‑year period to support capital expenditure, research and development, and capacity‑building activities. This investment is earmarked for expanding production facilities, upgrading quality‑control laboratories, and launching nationwide awareness campaigns.
Governance frameworks emphasise transparency and accountability. Quarterly performance reviews are conducted, with key performance indicators (KPIs) tracking beneficiary numbers, output volumes, skill‑training outcomes and market linkages. Data‑driven adjustments ensure that the scheme remains responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities. Detailed financial disclosures can be accessed through the official ALIMCO website.
Challenges, Mitigation Strategies and Future Outlook
Despite its promising trajectory, the Divyang Sahara Yohana faces several hurdles. A major challenge is limited awareness among PwDs in rural and remote areas, leading to under‑utilisation of benefits. To address this, ALIMCO has launched a mobile outreach programme that travels to underserved districts, offering on‑site counselling and enrollment assistance.
Customising assistive technology to meet diverse disability profiles also poses a technical challenge. In response, ALIMCO’s R&D arm, in partnership with academic institutions, is developing modular assistive solutions that can be rapidly adapted to individual requirements, thereby reducing lead times and cost overruns.
Ensuring sustainable market access for PwD‑owned enterprises requires robust supply‑chain integration. ALIMCO is negotiating long‑term procurement contracts with government departments and private corporations, guaranteeing a stable demand base for beneficiary products.
Looking ahead, the scheme envisions scaling its outreach to cover 1.5 million PwDs by 2028. CPSE ALIMCO plans to commission two additional production units focused on renewable‑energy components and smart‑city infrastructure, creating new employment avenues in green technologies. Strategic collaborations with international disability‑advocacy groups are also in the pipeline, aiming to bring best practices from global inclusive‑employment models to India.
Ultimately, the success of the Divyang Sahara Yojana hinges on sustained political will, adequate financing and continuous innovation in assistive technologies. By harnessing the strengths of public sector enterprises like CPSE ALIMCO, the initiative is poised to transform the socio‑economic landscape for Persons with Disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous India.
Stay updated with the latest Yojana schemes and government initiatives for better awareness and eligibility. For personalized guidance on accessing these benefits, reach out to us.
