The National Federation for the Blind has expressed serious concerns over an 80% reduction in funds allocated for schemes supporting the differently-abled in Karnataka. The Siddaramaiah-led government’s decision to slash the budget from Rs 54 crore in FY 2023-24 to just Rs 10 crore for FY 2024-25 has left thousands of people in need without access to essential aids and assistance.
In a strongly worded letter to the government, the Federation criticised the move as “unjustifiable and unprecedented”, pointing out that many applicants this year have been unable to access benefits due to the drastic cuts.
The affected schemes include provisions such as talking laptops for visually impaired students, braille kits for visually challenged individuals, motorised two-wheelers and battery-operated wheelchairs for those with locomotor disabilities, sewing machines for individuals with hearing impairments, and financial assistance for purchasing assistive devices tailored to individual needs.
Gautam Agarwal, General Secretary of the National Federation of the Blind of India, described the decision as shocking. He noted that the number of applications for these schemes has increased compared to previous years, making the funding cut even harder to justify.
He also emphasised that these schemes are not freebies, but vital commitments aimed at uplifting one of the most vulnerable sections of society.
“These are lifeline initiatives,” Agarwal stated.
“Unfortunately, many of them have been running on outdated budgets for years. Take the laptop scheme, for example-ten years ago, a talking laptop cost Rs 45,000. Today, it costs Rs 96,000. Yet, funding has not been adjusted to reflect the changing needs or rising costs. Now, with this massive cut, the situation has become dire.”
The timing of the budget reduction has drawn further criticism. The Federation highlighted that the cuts coincide with the government approving an additional Rs 58,000 crore for five new welfare schemes under its “five guarantees” initiative.
While acknowledging the importance of these new programs, the Federation argued that balancing these costs at the expense of the differently-abled is unfair and sends a message of neglect to a group that remains among the most marginalised in society.
“This cut is not just a financial decision; it’s a statement about priorities,” Agarwal said.
“Persons with disabilities cannot and should not be forgotten in the name of other welfare initiatives. Every community deserves support, but not at the cost of neglecting those who already face immense challenges.”
The decision has also disrupted the distribution of essential aids and appliances this year, with many applicants unable to receive the support they rely on for basic mobility, education, and livelihood.
From braille kits to motorised wheelchairs, the affected items represent more than just devices-they are tools for independence and dignity.
The National Federation for the Blind has urged the government to reconsider its decision and restore the funds to ensure that the schemes can continue to function effectively.
Agarwal stressed that inclusivity must remain a priority and that the government has a responsibility to protect and empower all marginalised groups, including the differently-abled.
