Maharashtra Extends Government Scheme Benefits to All 21 Disability Categories

The Maharashtra government has issued an order extending welfare schemes and concessions to all 21 disability categories recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Eligible beneficiaries must possess a valid disability certificate showing at least 40% disability.

Mumbai | March 26, 2026: In a major step towards inclusive welfare, the Maharashtra government has directed that benefits of government schemes, concessions and welfare initiatives will now be extended to persons with disabilities belonging to all 21 recognised categories. The move aligns with provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and expands eligibility beyond the earlier limited set of disability categories. Officials said the state has issued clear instructions to all government departments to publish the necessary Government Resolutions (GRs) as required and ensure adequate financial provisions for implementation. The decision follows the expansion of disability categories by the central government, under which the number of recognised disability types increased from seven to 21.

Under the revised framework, beneficiaries will include individuals with locomotor disabilities, leprosy-cured persons, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, acid attack victims, complete or partial blindness, hearing impairment, speech and language disabilities, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, severe neurological conditions and multiple disabilities. However, officials clarified that only those holding a valid disability identity card issued by a competent authority will be eligible. The card must certify at least 40% disability. The government has also stated that welfare benefits will be provided only to individuals possessing permanent disability certificates.

The order is expected to significantly widen access to various welfare schemes, including housing assistance, educational scholarships, disability marriage support schemes and other social security benefits. The directive will apply across all ministerial departments, government offices under their control, local self-government bodies, corporations and aided institutions. Disability Empowerment Department Secretary Tukaram Mundhe stated that the decision aims to ensure equal access to benefits for all eligible persons with disabilities, removing gaps that existed under the earlier limited categorisation system. The government’s decision is being viewed as a major policy shift that could strengthen social inclusion and improve access to welfare support for thousands of families across the state

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