The heartbreaking reality of budget allocation for disability in India

Despite making up 7 - 8% of the population, disabled individuals have once again been pushed to the margins of India’s financial priorities.

While the Union Budget 2025 boasts record-high spending, disability allocations remain shockingly low — a mere 0.025% of the total budget.

Even more concerning? The little that is allocated isn’t even fully used.

When numbers speak louder than words

India’s total budget grew from ₹30 lakh crore in 2020-21 to ₹50 lakh crore in 2025-26 — a massive 66% increase. Yet, instead of rising with it, the budget for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has actually dropped from ₹1,325 crore to ₹1,275 crore.

The Scheme for Implementation of the PwD Act (SIPDA) — which funds accessibility projects across the country — has been slashed to ₹115 crore, even after a Supreme Court ruling in November 2024 (Rajive Raturi judgement) mandated that public spaces and services be made accessible.

The numbers paint a grim picture of chronic underfunding:

In 2022-23, SIPDA received ₹240.39 crore

In 2023-24, it was cut to ₹135.33 crore

In 2025-26, it has been further reduced to ₹115 crore

This isn’t just a funding cut — it’s a systematic failure to enforce disability rights.

Underutilization: The Silent Crisis

Even more infuriating is the fact that the budgeted money is not even being fully used. Government records show a shocking underutilization of funds over the past four years:

64% of funds were left unused in 2020-21

86% were unused in 2021-22

79% were unused in 2022-23

93% were unused in 2023-24

What this means: Even the meagre amount allocated for disability support is not being spent. In practical terms, this results in schools, public transport, workplaces, and even government buildings remaining inaccessible — despite legal mandates for inclusion.

Disability Pensions: Stuck in 2012 While Prices Skyrocket

For millions of disabled people, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) is their only source of income. Yet, it remains stagnant at ₹290 crore, with the central share still ₹300 per month — an amount unchanged since 2012.

The absurdity of this is clear: ₹300 today barely covers a week’s worth of groceries, let alone rent, medical care, or assistive devices. Meanwhile, the pension scheme remains highly exclusionary, covering only 3.8% of disabled people as per the 2011 Census.

Mental Health: A Crisis Ignored

The Economic Survey has raised concerns about India's growing mental health crisis for two consecutive years. Despite this, the budget for the Telemental Health Programme has been slashed from ₹90 crore to ₹79.60 crore.

Given the alarming rise in mental health disorders, suicide rates, and lack of accessible mental healthcare, this cut signals a complete disregard for one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

No Relief for Disabled Job Seekers

Employment remains one of the biggest challenges for disabled people in India. Yet, the budget offers little to address this crisis.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides vital work opportunities, has not seen any increase in funding, making it harder for disabled individuals to find employment.

New government schemes, such as the Manufacturing & Skill Development Boost, offer potential — but will they prioritize inclusion?

Opportunities (If Done Right)

Amidst the disappointments, the Finance Minister announced some key initiatives that could benefit disabled people — if they are implemented with inclusion in mind:

✅ Credit Guarantee for MSMEs – Will disabled entrepreneurs get access to capital and business growth opportunities?

✅ Manufacturing & Skill Development Boost – Will disabled workers be given equal access to training and jobs?

✅ Jan Arogya Yojana for Gig Workers – Will disabled gig workers, who often struggle to get insurance, be included?

Disability Rights Activists Call for Action

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) has strongly condemned the government's continued neglect of India’s disabled population.

On February 10, 2025, NPRD will hold a protest in Delhi, demanding:

✔️ A Right to Pension Act

✔️ An increase in disability pensions from ₹300 to ₹5000 per month

✔️ Expansion of pension coverage to include all disabled individuals under the RPD Act

Disability is a human rights issue.

India cannot become an economic powerhouse while ignoring 80+ million disabled citizens. Inclusion isn’t just about budget allocations; it’s about dignity, accessibility, and economic participation.

Yet, year after year, the Union Budget continues to treat disability rights as an afterthought.

Until the government matches words with action, accessibility, employment, and financial security will remain a privilege, not a right, for millions of disabled people in India.