The Delhi Government is preparing to launch another welfare initiative for the differently-abled. After announcing an increase in disability pension, the government now plans to offer ₹5,000 per month to caregivers of persons with disabilities (PwDs) who are fully dependent on others.
Who Will Get ₹5,000?According to Delhi's Social Welfare Minister, Ravindra Indraj Singh, the government acknowledges the crucial role of caregivers in supporting the disabled. Hence, a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000 is being proposed for caregivers.
Importantly:
-
The caregiver does not necessarily have to be a parent, sibling, or spouse.
-
Any individual who regularly looks after a severely disabled person can be eligible.
-
The proposal is currently under review and will be presented before the Cabinet soon.
Not every caregiver will be eligible. The proposal specifies that:
-
The person with disability must have at least 80% disability.
-
They must be completely dependent on others for daily care.
-
Only in such cases will the caregiver be eligible for the ₹5,000 monthly honorarium.
Based on current data, over 1,000 families in Delhi could benefit from this scheme once it is implemented.
Current Disability Pension in DelhiCurrently, about 1.5 lakh persons with disabilities in Delhi receive disability pensions. To be eligible:
-
The person must have more than 40% disability.
-
They must have resided in Delhi for at least 5 years.
-
The annual family income should be below ₹1 lakh.
-
If the person already receives any other government pension, they cannot apply for this one.
As part of the latest budget, the Delhi Government announced a ₹500 increase in the monthly disability pension:
-
Earlier amount: ₹2,500/month
-
New amount: ₹3,000/month
However, beneficiaries have not yet received the increased pension, as the government is currently conducting verification due to complaints about irregularities. Once the verification process is complete, the enhanced pension will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
ConclusionThis initiative marks a progressive step toward inclusive welfare. Recognizing and financially supporting the efforts of caregivers — many of whom make significant sacrifices — is a socially responsible move by the Delhi government. Eligible citizens are advised to stay updated via the official Social Welfare Department portal as the scheme moves toward implementation.
