Vikaas Day Care Scheme for Persons with Disability

Vikaas is a day care program introduced by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under India's Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Its core purpose is to give persons with disabilities aged 10 and above structured opportunities to build interpersonal and vocational skills as they move into adolescence and adulthood.

While a person with disability is at a Vikaas Centre, the Registered Organization (RO) running it also provides on-site caregiving support — and just as importantly, gives family members of the person with disability real, reliable time during the day to manage their own responsibilities.

About the Vikaas Day Care Scheme

At its core, Vikaas is a structured day care program designed to build social and vocational skills, with caregiving support built in at the center itself. It's designed to give families of persons with disabilities covered under the National Trust Act genuine breathing room during the day.

Key features of the scheme include:

• Age-appropriate activities for at least six hours a day

• A 1:1 staff-to-beneficiary ratio for LIG (including BPL) and above-LIG persons with disabilities

• Batches capped at 30 persons with disabilities per group

• Nationwide availability, not limited to specific states or regions

Benefits of the Vikaas Day Care Scheme

Day Care

Registered Organizations provide day care facilities for at least six hours daily, typically from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., built around age-appropriate activities.

Skill-Building Staff

Dedicated staff work with beneficiaries to build interpersonal and vocational skills — the kind that support real independence over time, not just structured supervision.

Counseling for Families

Parents and guardians receive counseling and practical guidance, particularly around Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Beneficiaries also receive RO support for further training, education, and employment opportunities.

Optional Transport Facilities

Registered Organizations can choose to offer transportation services. Beneficiaries who use RO-arranged transport receive an additional transportation payment from the National Trust.

Eligibility Criteria for the Vikaas Scheme

For Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

• Must be 10 years of age or older

• Must have a disability recognized under the National Trust Act, 1999 — autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or multiple disabilities

• Must hold a UDID (Unique Disability ID) card

• Must hold a valid Aadhaar card

• Must not be simultaneously enrolled in certain other schemes, such as Samarth or Gharaunda

For Registered Organizations (ROs)

• Must be registered with the National Trust

• Must hold a valid registration under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995

• Must have at least two years of experience working with persons with disabilities, including at least one year working with one of the four disabilities covered under the Act

• Must not be blacklisted by the government or the National Trust

• Must be registered on NITI Aayog's NGO Darpan Portal

Staffing at a Vikaas Centre

Every Vikaas Centre is required to maintain a specific staffing structure to deliver on the scheme's goals:

• Special educators or vocational trainers

• A physiotherapist or occupational therapist

• A counselor supporting both persons with disabilities and their caregivers

• On-site caregivers (Ayas)

• Speech therapists or physical therapists, while not mandatory, are considered a desirable addition to the team

Why the Vikaas Scheme Matters

The Vikaas Day Care Scheme addresses three interconnected needs at once:

• Easing caregiver burden — while a person with disability is at the center, family members can attend to work, household responsibilities, or simply rest.

• Supporting holistic development — the program goes beyond supervision, actively building skills that support long-term independence.

• Promoting inclusion and empowerment — creating a safe, structured space where persons with disabilities can engage, learn, and thrive alongside peers.

The Bottom Line

The Vikaas Day-Care Scheme is a genuinely important support system for individuals with disabilities, offering a safe, structured, and empowering environment to learn, grow, and connect with others. By focusing on skill development, emotional wellbeing, and social participation, the scheme doesn't just support the person with disability directly — it meaningfully eases the daily pressure on their families too. With its emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and community, Vikaas continues to play a real role in helping individuals reach their potential, while ensuring families aren't left to navigate care alone.

If you're exploring therapy or skill-building support alongside a scheme like Vikaas, book a free screening with 1SpecialPlace to understand what additional support might help your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Vikaas Day Care Scheme?

Persons with disabilities aged 10 or older who have autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or multiple disabilities under the National Trust Act, 1999 — and who hold a valid UDID card and Aadhaar card — are eligible, provided they aren't already enrolled in schemes like Samarth or Gharaunda.

How many hours a day does the Vikaas day care center operate?

Registered Organizations are required to provide day care facilities for a minimum of six hours daily, generally between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including age-appropriate structured activities.

Is transportation included in the Vikaas scheme?

Transportation is optional and depends on whether the Registered Organization chooses to offer it. Beneficiaries who use RO-arranged transport receive an additional transportation payment from the National Trust.

What documents are required to apply for the Vikaas scheme?

Applicants need a valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) card and an Aadhaar card, along with documentation confirming a disability recognized under the National Trust Act — autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or multiple disabilities.

Can any organization run a Vikaas center?

No. Only Registered Organizations (ROs) that are registered with the National Trust, hold valid registration under the Persons with Disabilities Act, have at least two years of relevant experience, are not blacklisted, and are registered on the NGO Darpan Portal are eligible to operate a Vikaas center.

How is the Vikaas scheme different from Gharaunda or Samarth?

Vikaas is a day care program — beneficiaries attend during the day and return home, with the scheme focused on skill-building and caregiver relief. Gharaunda, by contrast, provides lifelong residential group homes for adults with disabilities. A person with disability generally cannot be enrolled in Vikaas and one of these residential schemes simultaneously.

Related Reading & Support Resources

Explore more disability welfare and support resources at 1SpecialPlace:

• Disability Welfare Schemes & Financial Support — a full guide to government schemes, UDID cards, and financial assistance for persons with disabilities

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment — therapy support that can complement schemes like Vikaas

• Special Education Services — building vocational and life skills alongside government support

• Book a Free Screening — explore therapy options for your family

External and official resources on the Vikaas scheme:

• The National Trust — Vikaas Scheme (Official) — official scheme details and application guidance

• MyScheme.gov.in — Government of India's official portal for scheme eligibility and applications