Budget 2026: Helping hand for those who need it most

To ensure persons with disabilities (PwDs) get dignified livelihood opportunities and timely access to assistive devices, the govt on Sunday announced the ‘Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana’ and the ‘Divyang Sahara Yojana’.Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the ‘kaushal yojana’ for livelihood and the ‘sahara yojana’ for assistive devices are “fundamental needs” for PwDs.Noting that IT, animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC), and the hospitality sectors offer task-oriented and process-driven roles that are suitable for PwDs, she said, “We will ensure dignified livelihood opportunities through industry-relevant and customised training specific to each ‘divyang’ group.”On the ‘Divyang Sahara Yojana’, Sitharaman said, “Timely access to high-quality assistive devices for all eligible ‘divyangjans’ is a fundamental need.” “I propose to support the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (Alimco) to scale up production of assistive devices, invest in research and development and AI integration,” she said.She said support to Alimco is aimed at “strengthening PM Divyasha Kendras and support setting up of assistive technology marts as modern retail-style centres where ‘divyangjans’ and senior citizens can see, try and purchase assistive products”.According to officials, as of now, there are 100 divyasha kendras. These centres are seen as one-stop centres for eligible beneficiaries to access assistive devices. Alimco is also working on a plan to pave the way for setting up of 80 marts going forward.A look at the budgetary allocations for 2026-27 showed that of the total of Rs 1,669 crore assigned to the department of empowerment of PwDs, Rs 200 crores has been allocated for ‘Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana’ and Rs 100 crores for ‘Divyangjan Sahara Yojana’.Besides, Rs 375 crore has been allocated for assistance to PwDs for purchasing and fitting of aids and appliances. In 2025-26 budget estimates, Rs 316 crore was assigned to this scheme and the amount under revised estimates was Rs 330 crore. The department was allocated Rs 1,275 crores (BE) in 2025-26 and revised budget stands at Rs 1,291 crores in the current fiscal.