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In a significant development, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma announced that approximately 47,307 individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and other cognitive impairments have enrolled in the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme for the year 2024-25. This information was shared in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is part of the National Trust, established under the National Trust Act, 1999, to promote the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities. The scheme aims to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage to individuals with these disabilities.
Verma noted that the Niramaya scheme has been operational for the last three years. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the government allocated and utilized Rs 13.87 crore for the scheme, while Rs 18.14 crore was spent in 2022-23, and Rs 11.38 crore in 2021-22.
Additionally, Verma highlighted that Persons with Disabilities (PwD) can also avail benefits under the flagship health scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). AB PM-JAY provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme is available to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, corresponding to 12.37 crore families, constituting the economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population.
“With respect to the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) under AB PM-JAY, it may kindly be noted that the scheme’s beneficiary base includes poor and vulnerable families identified in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011). The SECC-2011 incorporates deprivation criteria for rural areas, one of which is ‘Disabled member and no able-bodied adult member’,” Verma said.
This announcement underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and comprehensive healthcare for individuals with disabilities, promoting their welfare and inclusion in society.
