Verifying Disability Scholarship Statements Issued by the Government
The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) has been a key player in providing financial aid for students with disabilities since 1997. This institution under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities implemented the Scholarship Scheme (Trust Fund) and Scholarship Scheme (National Fund) for students with disabilities pursuing higher and technical education.
In 2013-14 and 2017-18, approximately 2000 fresh beneficiaries received scholarships under the NHFDC scheme. The scholarship covered complete tuition fees for government institutions, a similar amount for private institutions, and a monthly maintenance allowance of at least Rs 2500, along with other allowances for books/stationery.
However, the NHFDC scholarship scheme was discontinued in December 2017. In response, the Government of India launched the 'Saksham Scholarship' scheme under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in November 2014, providing 1000 scholarships per annum. The Saksham Scholarship offers a tuition fee of Rs 30,000 or actual, whichever is less, and Rs. 2000 per month for 10 months as incidental charges each year.
Meanwhile, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) has had a more complex history. Established as an autonomous center in IGNOU in 2011, ISLRTC was integrated with the regional center of the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH) at Delhi in April 2015.
The establishment of ISLRTC as an independent society was approved by the Union Cabinet in response to protests by the Deaf community. However, this decision was met with controversy due to the different perspectives and goals of ISLRTC and AYJNIHH. Notably, the ISLRTC was closed down in 2013, and the current government re-established it as an independent society in 2015.
The protests and meetings with ministers also resulted in the Union Cabinet approving the setting up of ISLRTC as an independent society. This move was significant, as it aimed to provide a more focused platform for research and training in Indian Sign Language.
In conclusion, while the NHFDC scholarship scheme for disabled students was discontinued, the Government of India has taken steps to provide financial aid through the Saksham Scholarship. Meanwhile, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, after a period of closure and integration, has been re-established as an independent society to continue its work in research and training.
