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Depth, context and analysis

Connecting India’s disability welfare ecosystem

I believe India’s next breakthrough is better coordination, not another scheme. Administrative convergence can improve access, strengthen public spending and power the emerging purple economy.

India’s disability welfare system does not suffer from a lack of schemes or resources. The problem is that central and state programmes often work in parallel rather than together.

This ecosystem is built around a simple goal: enabling persons with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens to live with greater independence, dignity, and participation. Central to this is timely access to assistive technology and support services.

Delivering these services requires a broad network of stakeholders. The Union government frames policy, provides funding, and supports implementation through specialised institutions. State governments deliver welfare through social welfare departments, district administrations, rehabilitation centres, and partnerships with civil society organisations. Together, they form a layered architecture of schemes, delivery mechanisms, and digital platforms.

This institutional depth is one of India’s greatest strengths. It has expanded the reach of disability welfare over the past decade. Yet the same federal structure also presents an opportunity for stronger coordination.

Also Read: Accessible by accident: How Alexa and AI glasses are assisting disabled people

The case of Tamil Nadu

Central and state programmes often function as distinct systems, with separate administrative processes and beneficiary databases. As a result, agencies have limited visibility into each other’s coverage.

Greater administrative convergence can reduce duplication, strengthen last-mile delivery and improve beneficiary access. Tamil Nadu illustrates both this challenge and the opportunity to address it.

In 2025-26, the state announced a Rs 125 crore programme to provide advanced assistive devices for people with disabilities, as part of a longer running scheme. This already runs alongside the Centre’s Scheme of........

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