DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | DDRS 2026 — Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme | NGO Grant for PwD Services |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2003 |
| Benefit | Up to 90% grant-in-aid for NGOs running special schools, early intervention & vocational training |
| Category | Disability (Divyangjan) |
| Last Verified | 23 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://grants.depwd.gov.in |
What is DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation?
The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) is a central sector scheme of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that provides grant-in-aid to NGOs and voluntary organizations for projects that rehabilitate persons with disabilities. The scheme covers 21 disabilities listed under the RPwD Act 2016 (visual, hearing, speech, locomotor, intellectual, mental illness, autism, cerebral palsy, leprosy, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, multiple disabilities, etc.). Eligible projects include cross-disability pre-school and early intervention, special schools for hearing/visual/other disabilities, vocational training centres, home-based rehabilitation, half-way homes, day-care centres, model school for inclusive education, and braille press units. Grant covers 90% of cost-norms for regular areas and 100% in special areas (North-East, hilly regions, LWE-affected districts). NGOs apply online through NGO Darpan + e-Anudaan portal. The scheme is the backbone of NGO-led disability service delivery across India.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Up to 90% grant-in-aid for NGOs running special schools, early intervention & vocational training. The scheme was launched in 2003 and is implemented by the Government of India.
Benefits of DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation
Up to 90% grant-in-aid for NGOs running special schools, early intervention & vocational training
Who is Eligible for DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation?
- ✓NGO registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 / Indian Trust Act 1882 / Section 8 of Companies Act 2013
- ✓Registration must be in force for at least 2 years at the time of applying
- ✓NGO must be registered on NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal with a Unique ID
- ✓Must have proven experience in disability sector (audited accounts of past 2 years required)
- ✓Project should serve persons with any of the 21 disabilities under RPwD Act 2016
- ✓Must have requisite infrastructure: building, trained staff (special educators, therapists), accessibility features
Documents Required for DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation
How to Apply for DDRS Disabled Rehabilitation Online?
- 1Register your NGO on NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal (ngodarpan.gov.in) — obtain Unique ID and KYC verification
- 2Visit DEPwD e-Anudaan portal at grants.depwd.gov.in — log in using NGO Darpan credentials
- 3Select 'DDRS' from the list of schemes and start a new application
- 4Fill the project proposal — type of project (special school / EI / vocational / day care), location, beneficiary numbers, budget
- 5Upload required documents — registration certificate, PAN, 12A/80G, audited accounts, infrastructure photos
- 6Specify cost-norm-based budget — DEPwD evaluates against revised cost norms (90% in regular areas, 100% in special areas)
- 7Submit application — DEPwD's State Coordinator / Field Office conducts on-site inspection of NGO infrastructure
- 8After inspection report, application is placed before the DDRS Grants-in-Aid Committee for sanction
- 9If approved, grant is released in instalments through PFMS direct to NGO's bank account — annual renewal subject to performance audit
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on grants.depwd.gov.in