Appeal for Administrative Reforms and Strengthening of Welfare Measures for Persons with Disabilities in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Sets a National Benchmark in Disability Welfare

Tamil Nadu has consistently been at the forefront of promoting the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has allocated an all-time high amount of ₹1,485 crore for the welfare of Differently Abled Persons in the Budget 2026–2027. In addition, an amount of ₹839.33 crore has also been sanctioned towards the differently abled pension scheme. In comparison, the Union Government has allocated a comparatively meagre ₹1,669.72 crore for 28 States and 8 Union Territories in the Budget for the year 2026–2027. Through this landmark allocation, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is leading by example and demonstrating a strong commitment to championing the rights, welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities across the nation.

Suggestions for Administrative Reforms in the WDAP Department

We sincerely appeal to the Government to transfer the Differently Abled Pension Scheme from the Revenue Department to the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons.Despite the establishment of a dedicated department under G.O. No. 78, dated 29.03.2010, the scheme continues to remain under the Revenue Department even after 16 years. We urge the Government to implement this long-pending administrative reform immediately to ensure effective and disability-focused service delivery.

Appeal for Appointment of Qualified Persons with Disabilities as District Differently Abled Welfare Officers

We sincerely appeal to the Government to appoint qualified Persons with Disabilities as District Differently Abled Welfare Officers, based on their qualifications and abilities, instead of Tahsildars being appointed as DDAWO on deputation for the past two years in 14 districts vide Lr. No. Ser 3 (1)/14666/2022-SER1-REV-DM-SECTT, dated 13.08.2024. Such appointments will ensure better understanding of disability-related issues and promote meaningful representation, inclusion, and effective implementation of welfare schemes.

Appeal for Appointment of Assistant Director Special Schools in WDAP Department

There are 393 registered special schools functioning under the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department. However, the post of Assistant Director – Special Schools has remained vacant for several years. This has significantly hampered the quality of special education provided to differently abled children due to the lack of proper monitoring and supervision. We sincerely urge the Government to frame appropriate ad hoc rules and appoint qualified personnel to the post with immediate effect, thereby ensuring effective monitoring, supervision, and delivery of quality special education services.

Appeal to Extend Free Motorised Sewing Machines to Visually Impaired Women

We sincerely appeal to the Government to extend the scheme of free motorised sewing machines to Visually Impaired Women who have successfully completed tailoring courses at recognised institutions. Extending this livelihood support, already available to Hearing Impaired Women, Women with Locomotor Disabilities, and mothers of persons with Intellectual Disabilities, would provide Visually Impaired Women with a meaningful opportunity for sustainable self-employment and economic independence, particularly in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.

Request to provide Maintenance Allowance to the Deafblind beneficiaries

We sincerely appeal to the Government to extend the monthly Maintenance Allowance of ₹2,000 to Deafblind beneficiaries with 100% certified disability, on par with Severely Affected Differently Abled Category. It is a matter of concern that persons with disability levels ranging from 40% to 75%, including those with Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, are already receiving Maintenance allowance, while Deafblind persons with 100% disability continue to be excluded. We urge the Government to immediately rectify this disparity and extend the Maintenance Allowance of ₹2,000 to eligible Deafblind persons, ensuring equal treatment, dignity, and social security.

Extend Electricity Subsidies to Disabled Institutions

We sincerely appeal to the Government to extend electricity tariff concessions and subsidies to institutions established for and by Persons with Disabilities that provide education, rehabilitation, residential care, and other welfare services entirely free of cost. While such concessions are already extended by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) to orphanages, old age homes, and destitute homes, institutions serving Persons with Disabilities continue to be excluded without any valid justification. We urge the Government to immediately address this disparity and extend appropriate electricity tariff concessions to such institutions, in accordance with the principles of equality and inclusive welfare and the provisions of Chapter V, Section 24(i) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Appeal for Enhancement of Differently Abled Pension to ₹3,000

We sincerely appeal to the Government to honour its electoral commitment to enhance the Differently Abled Pension to ₹3,000 per month . The existing pension remains of Rs. 1,500 unchanged for 4,66,298 differently abled beneficiaries , while financial assistance for fishermen has been increased by ₹1,000. We urge the Government to fulfil its commitment and enhance the Differently Abled Pension to ₹3,000 per month at the earliest, ensuring dignity and social security for Persons with Disabilities.

We are confident that the Hon’ble Chief Minister will consider our above recommendations for administrative reforms and suggestions for the effective implementation of the welfare schemes which will benefit the differently abled population of Tamil Nadu.