Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
Office Memorandum No. 4-2(12)/2020-DD-I-Part(1)
Effective from: 26 September 2024
Applicable period: 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2026
🎯 Objective of the ADIP Scheme
The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme aims to help persons with disabilities (PwDs) lead independent, dignified lives.
It provides modern, durable, and scientifically designed aids and assistive devices—such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, prostheses, and cochlear implants—free of cost or at subsidized rates.
👥 Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for free or subsidized hearing aids or other assistive devices:
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Citizen: Must be an Indian citizen of any age.
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Disability Proof: Must have a minimum 40% disability certified by a competent authority (Disability Certificate or UDID card).
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Income Limit:
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Monthly income up to ₹22,500: 100% free assistance.
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Monthly income ₹22,501 to ₹30,000: 50% subsidy.
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Income Proof: Can be supported by:
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Income certificate by local authority / BPL Card / MGNREGA Card / Disability Pension Card / certificate by MP, MLA, Councillor, or Gram Pradhan.
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No duplicate benefits: Should not have received a similar device from any source in the last 3 years (or 1 year for children below 18).
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Documents required:
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UDID Card or Enrollment ID
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Aadhaar Card
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Income proof
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Disability Certificate
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🏥 Where to Get Free Hearing Aids and Devices
The scheme is implemented through government-approved agencies such as:
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ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India)
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National Institutes (like AYJNISHD Mumbai)
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Composite Regional Centres (CRCs)
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District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)
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Registered NGOs and hospitals approved by the Ministry
Distribution camps are regularly organized at the district level, and beneficiaries can also register online via:
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ARJUN Portal – https://arjun.depwd.gov.in
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Mobile App (ADIP App) – for requesting new or repaired devices
🦻 Free Hearing Aid & Cochlear Implant Support
1. Hearing Aids
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Free digital hearing aids are provided after proper assessment and fitting by RCI-registered audiologists.
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Post-fitting care and ear mould costs (up to ₹1,500) are covered.
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Beneficiaries can receive new devices every 3 years (1 year for children).
2. Cochlear Implant Surgery Support
For children with severe to profound hearing loss:
| Category | Age Group | Govt. Support (per beneficiary) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-lingual hearing loss | 1–5 years | ₹7.00 lakh | Covers implant, surgery, therapy, mapping, and travel |
| Post-lingual hearing loss | 5–18 years | ₹6.00 lakh | Includes implant, surgery, therapy, mapping, and travel |
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Nodal Agency: Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech & Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai (AYJNISHD)
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Rehabilitation: Mandatory Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) for 3 years post-surgery.
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Device Procurement: ALIMCO supplies government-approved implants.
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Therapy Support:
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₹50,000/year for therapy (3 sessions per week for 3 years for pre-lingual children)
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₹32,000/year for post-lingual therapy (2 sessions per week for 2 years)
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Travel allowance: ₹200 per therapy visit (paid quarterly).
♿ Other Assistive Devices Covered
The scheme also provides devices for various disabilities:
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Motorized Tricycle/Wheelchair:
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₹50,000 subsidy (for ≥80% disability; ≥40% for students)
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Once every 5 years
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High-End Prosthesis:
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₹30,000 subsidy (for ≥40% locomotor disability)
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Orthosis, Calipers, Crutches, Walkers, etc.
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Up to ₹15,000 free or partially subsidized
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Boarding & Lodging Allowance:
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₹100/day for up to 15 days (for low-income beneficiaries during fitment or surgery)
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💻 How to Apply Online
Option 1: Through ARJUN Portal
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Register using Aadhaar & UDID details
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Upload income certificate and disability certificate
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Select required device (hearing aid, tricycle, etc.)
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Nearest implementing agency will contact you within 6 months
Option 2: At ADIP Camps or ALIMCO Centres
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Submit your documents in person at the nearest ALIMCO or District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC)
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Get assessed and fitted for appropriate devices
💰 Scheme Benefits at a Glance
| Income (per month) | Assistance Type | Limit per Device |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹22,500 | 100% free | ₹15,000 |
| ₹22,501 – ₹30,000 | 50% subsidy | ₹15,000 |
| High-end devices | Partial subsidy | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Cochlear implant (1–5 yrs) | Full cost | ₹7 lakh |
| Cochlear implant (5–18 yrs) | Full cost | ₹6 lakh |
🏢 Contact for Assistance
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
📞 011-2436 9027
✉️ adipsection-depwd@nic.in | sandeepkumar.rth@nic.in
🌐 www.depwd.gov.in
🗓️ Important Dates
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Revised Guidelines Effective: 26 September 2024
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Valid until: 31 March 2026
✅ Key Takeaway
The revised ADIP Scheme 2026 is a landmark initiative to ensure every person with disability, especially those from low-income families, gets access to modern, high-quality hearing aids and assistive devices free of cost.
With simplified eligibility, online registration via ARJUN Portal, and CSR partnerships, the scheme aims to make “Accessible India” (Sugamya Bharat) a reality.