Samarth-Respite Care Scheme
Day care & residential support for persons with disabilities · Samarth Centres · BPL priority
The Samarth Respite Care Scheme (under National Trust) sets up residential care centres for persons with disabilities — specifically autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities — who are orphaned, abandoned, from families in crisis, or from BPL/LIG households. It provides group home accommodation with professional therapy, medical care, and vocational training. To enroll, visit a Samarth Centre with the required documents for an individual assessment.
About This Scheme
The Samarth Respite Care Scheme (under National Trust) sets up residential care centres for persons with disabilities — specifically autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities — who are orphaned, abandoned, from families in crisis, or from BPL/LIG households. It provides group home accommodation with professional therapy, medical care, and vocational training. To enroll, visit a Samarth Centre with the required documents for an individual assessment.
Full official description
Samarth (Respite Care) scheme was launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Govt. of India.The objective of the scheme is to provide respite home for orphans or abandoned PwDs, families in crisis and also for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) from BPL & LIG families including destitutes with at least one of the four disabilities covered under the National Trust Act. It also aims at creating opportunities for family members to get respite time in order to fulfil other responsibilities.
Benefits
- Residential group home care with quality living standards for all age groups
- Professional medical care from qualified doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists
- At least 2 special educators/vocational trainers, 3 caregivers, 2 ayas, and a cook at each centre
- Therapeutic aids, appliances, and hygienic lodging provided
- Regular individual assessment and progress monitoring
- Automatic enrollment in Niramaya health insurance scheme
- Transition support to Gharaunda scheme for adults (18+) who have stayed 5+ years
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Healthtech and assistive tech startups serving persons with disabilities should know Samarth Centres are existing infrastructure for care delivery — potential partners for piloting assistive devices or last-mile distribution of disability-support products.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have at least one of the four disabilities under the National Trust Act 1999: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, or Multiple Disabilities
- Priority given to orphaned or abandoned persons with disabilities (PwDs), families in crisis, and BPL/LIG families
- Cannot be simultaneously enrolled in the Disha, Vikaas, or Gharaunda schemes
Exclusions
- Not available to PwD simultaneously enrolled under Disha, Vikaas, or Gharaunda schemes
How to Apply
- Find the nearest Samarth Centre at thenationaltrust.gov.in/content/centre-sanctioned-list.php
- Bring the person with disability (PwD) to the centre with required documents
- Fill out the enrolment form at the centre
- Staff will assess and enrol the PwD in appropriate services
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department has launched Samarth scheme?
This scheme has been launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
What are the main benefits of this scheme?
Respite home for orphans or abandoned, families in crisis and also for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) from BPL & LIG families including destitute,
From where the PwD can get the facilities?
PwD can avail the benefits from Samarth Centre or Registered Organisation.
What is the main objective of this scheme?
The main purpose of this scheme is to provide Group home facilities for all age groups with adequate and quality care service with acceptable living standards including provision of basic medical care from professional doctors.
What would be the batch size in a Samarth Centre ?
Batch size of a Samarth centre is 30 PwDs and the maximum number of PwDs allowed is 30% extra of batch size i.e. 39 for Samarth Centres.
Who will be covered under this scheme?
Orphans or abandoned PwDs will be covered under this scheme.
What is the enrolment process of the of PwD at the Samarth Centre?
Parent/legal guardian of the PwD have to come together at the Samarth Centre.Then the centre will conduct a PwD Assessment Test with the help of a Therapist or Counsellor.
How this scheme is also beneficial to the family of the PwD?
This scheme also helps in supporting family members of the PwDs to get some time during the day to fulfill other responsibilities.
What are the documents required for the enrolment?
- Enrolment form.
- Birth certificate or Date of Birth proof of the PwD.
- Disability certificate.
- BPL certificate or Income certificate of Parents or Guardian issued by competent authority as authorized by the concerned State/ Union Territory (for LIG or BPL family).
- ID proof of parent or guardian.
- Declaration proof of the guardianship if PwD <18 years of age and parents are not the guardians. (OR),
- LG certificate, if PwD >18 years of age and parents are not the guardians.
Which website is used for RO registration?
Follow the below URL Link: https://thenationaltrust.gov.in/auth/login.php
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Enrolment form
- Birth certificate or date of birth proof
- Disability certificate
- BPL or income certificate from competent authority (for LIG/BPL families)
- ID proof of parent or guardian