People with disabilities may need long-term care, secure beds or housing, assistance with rehabilitation and/or the ability to live independently with dignity and welfare services like the Group home scheme for adults. To address these concerns, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has started implementing projects under the Gharaunda scheme 2026 within the framework of the National Trust.
The main work of the scheme is to offer stable housing and excellent high-quality care services to adults who have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities and Multiple Disabilities. They are housed, cared for, and provided with vocational opportunities, counselling, and supported-living arrangements in a planned and protected environment through registered organisations and specialised group homes.
The disability residential support scheme is significant for families that are concerned with the future needs and ongoing care of grown individuals with disabilities. It seeks to establish a viable and dignified support mechanism through which beneficiaries can be cared for over their lifespan, as well as enhance their social integration and autonomous lifestyles.
In this article, you will get the detailed information about the group home scheme for adults, its objectives, benefits, application process and much more.
Overview Of The Gharaunda Scheme
The table below highlights the key insights of the National Trust Gharaunda scheme:-
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Scheme Name | Gharaunda – Group Home for Adults Scheme. |
| Launched By | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. |
| Implemented Under | National Trust Act, 1999. |
| Objective | To provide lifelong care, accommodation, and assisted living support for adults with disabilities. |
| Beneficiaries | Adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities. |
| Minimum Age | Above 18 years. |
| Mode Of Application | Online through National Trust registered organisations. |
| Type Of Support | Residential care, vocational training, medical care, counselling, rehabilitation, and assisted living. |
| Implementing Agencies | Registered Organisations (ROs) enrolled with the National Trust. |
| Official Authority | National Trust under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. |
Also Read: Mizoram State Senior Citizens Home: Scheme For Homeless Elderly Citizens
What Is The Gharaunda Scheme?
The Gharaunda Scheme is a welfare option that will provide residential assistance and quality care into adulthood for adults with specific disabilities covered by the National Trust Act. The scheme is delivered through Registered Organisations (ROs), which are organised into a group home known as a Gharaunda Centre.
Formal units designed to offer a secure and dependable residence to grown people with disabilities who may need support in their everyday living. The assisted living scheme in India centres on not only the provision of accommodation facilities but also on rehabilitation, emotional support, access to health care, vocational activities and social integration.
This process can be particularly significant for those parents and guardians whose own capacity to care is limited by their age, sickness, or difficulties in affording care for their children, which may affect the care they can afford for their children's futures.
Objectives Of The Gharaunda Scheme
The government scheme was launched to find a permanent solution to support adults with disabilities in India. The key aims of the scheme are described below:
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Help to build infrastructure and specialised group homes for long-term disability care throughout the country.
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Encourage independent and dignified assisted living for adults with disabilities through structured support systems.
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Offer suitable accommodation services such as medical and physical rehabilitation, and emotional assistance.
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Reduce the long-term burden on ageing parents and guardians by creating secure care arrangements for beneficiaries.
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Improve social inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities through vocational and recreational activities.
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Promote sustainable support services through Registered Organisations on the National Trust guidelines.
Benefits Available Under The Gharaunda Scheme
Under the long-term care home scheme, beneficiaries receive a number of supports via recognised Gharaunda Centres. The facilities are designed to enhance the quality of life for adults with disability and to offer opportunities for their physical, emotional and social development.
Residential Care And Assured Accommodation
The provision of assured accommodation facilities for adults with disabilities is one of the major benefits of the scheme. It can be difficult for many families to manage care for their adult child in care, particularly if ongoing care and support are needed.
The Gharaunda Centres connect with beneficiaries and offer structured Residential care for special needs, and provide access to caregivers, therapists and support staff in a safe environment. The facilities aim to ensure a reasonable standard of living for everyone in the centre and to provide for a secure environment.
Healthcare And Medical Support
The scheme also provides for access to basic health plus facilities and medical assistance. Depending on the type of disability, beneficiaries may need to be monitored, provided therapy, take medication, attend health appointments, etc., regularly.
The centres organise support from professional doctors, therapists, counsellors and healthcare professionals as needed. There is improved physical health and management of beneficiaries over a longer term through regular medical supervision.
Vocational And Skill Development Activities
The vocational training and rehabilitation program support under the Group housing support scheme is to promote the self-dependence of persons with disabilities. These will help beneficiaries have productive routines as well as boost their confidence levels. Vocational programmes can contain:
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Fundamental skills development to increase independence in daily activities.
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Pre-vocational training, which trains beneficiaries for a structured working environment.
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Social and cognitive activities, including recreation and work.
Emotional And Social Support
Social isolation and emotional stress are often faced by persons with disabilities. The Scheme Gharaunda seeks to provide a community-based setting where the beneficiaries have the opportunity to meet with others and regularly attend social events.
In a group home setting, residents can learn to improve communication, emotional confidence and adaptability to social demands.
Also Read: Nari Niketan Scheme - Accommodation, Eligibility & Application
Who Can Apply Under The Gharaunda Scheme?
The Sarkari scheme has distinct eligibility requirements for recipients of the scheme and Registered Organisations who are implementing the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria For Persons With Disabilities
Successful sign-up to the scheme for adults is dependent on meeting a set of eligibility criteria outlined in the National Trust guidelines. These are available to the following:
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Candidates have to be older than 18 years of age as of enrolment.
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Applicants must have one of the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999.
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Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities are all considered eligible disabilities.
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The applicant needs help with daily activities from assisted living or long-term care.
Eligibility Criteria For Registered Organisations (ROs)
Only approved organisations can operate Gharaunda Centres under the scheme. These organisations are required to meet specific infrastructure requirements and operational needs. Eligible organisations must meet the following requirements:
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The organisation needs to be a registered member with the National Trust.
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The organisation should be registered under the PwD Act, 1995.
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The proposed group home land should either be owned by the organisation or leased for at least 10 years with a renewal provision.
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The organisation should have at least 2 years of experience in the field of persons with disabilities.
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At least one year of experience must relate specifically to disabilities covered under the National Trust Act.
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No government body or the National Trust should blacklist the organisation.
Disabilities Covered Under The Gharaunda Scheme
The adult disability welfare scheme, in particular, offers assistance for disabilities included in disability provisions of the National Trust Act, 1999. The disabilities are typically lifelong support and rehabilitation.
| Disability Category | Description |
|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | A developmental condition affecting communication, behaviour, and social interaction. |
| Cerebral Palsy | A neurological disorder affecting movement, posture, and muscle coordination. |
| Intellectual Disability | A condition involving limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. |
| Multiple Disabilities | Presence of more than one disability requiring combined support services. |
Also Read: The West Bengal Manabik Scheme - Financial Assistance For The Disabled
How Does The Gharaunda Centre Function?
Gharaunda Centres are to be run as assisted living homes with structured activities and specialised services. The centres offer the following services on their own as a rule:
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Suitable lodging for beneficiaries in residential accommodation.
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Therapy sessions and counselling support are based on individual needs.
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Emotional well-being and social interaction in recreational activities.
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Vocational and occupational training activities for rehabilitation purposes.
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Easy access to clearly marked disability accessible toilets, rooms, furniture, etc.
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Assistance from professional carers and rehabilitative workers daily.
The centres are required to ensure good hygiene, safety, healthcare access and administration monitoring.
Application Process For Registered Organisations
All applications for Registered Organisations are processed online using the National Trust's application process site. Follow the steps below to apply for the Residential Care Scheme for Special Needs:-
Step 1: Register and log in to the NGO or Organisation at the official National Trust website.
Step 2: The organisation has to fill in the online application form and make the prescribed application fee payment of ₹1,000/-.
Step 3: The National Trust checks the documents and infrastructure information submitted by the applicant. The organisation is given extra time to correct any missing information and resubmit it where missing.
Step 4: The proposed Gharaunda Centre may go on to be physically inspected to evaluate infrastructure facilities, accessibility, staff arrangements and operational readiness.
Step 5: If the organisation meets all requirements of the scheme, a Scheme ID is calculated and is granted to the Registered Organisation.
Step 6: Once approved, the National Trust enters the path of providing finance for the establishment and running of the centre.
Process For Enrolment Of Beneficiaries
People with disabilities can enrol by going to the approved Gharaunda Centres run by Registered Organisations. Typically, the enrolment process involves:
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Assessment of the beneficiary’s disability condition and care requirements.
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Verification of family situation and income category.
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Submission of required documents by parents or guardians.
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Registration in the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme is applicable.
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Issuance of enrolment confirmation and beneficiary records.
The assessment process will enable the centre to realise how much support, therapies, and a rehabilitation plan are required for each person.
Documents Required Under The Gharaunda Scheme
For enrolment, the following documents are typically requested from applicants/guardians:
Also Read: Major Update About Removal Of GST From Health & Life Insurance
Documents Required For Registered Organisations
Registered Organisations also need to provide detailed documents of operation and registration. Typical documents required are:
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Registration certificates from a section of the disability act or legislation.
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Proof of ownership or lease of the proposed group home property.
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Bank account information of the organisation.
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Information about infrastructure and staffing.
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Proposal on facilities and operation of the centre.
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Self Declaration of current activities and disability support.
Role Of Niramaya Health Insurance Under The Scheme
Gharaunda Scheme 2026 beneficiaries are also urged to register for the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme under the auspices of the National Trust. The insurance scheme means that the health care costs, health therapies, surgical treatment, medicine and unforeseen health emergencies of people with disabilities are supported financially. Gharaunda workers counsel the families about the insurance procedure and assist them in completing the registration formalities wherever necessary.
Conclusion
The Gharaunda – Group Home for Adults Scheme caters to the long-term needs, including assisted living and long-term residential care for adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability and Multiple Disability. The scheme offers residential services, healthcare, rehabilitation services, vocational activities and emotional support in a structured setting, via Registered Organisations and through specialist care centres.
The scheme not only guarantees lifelong care and safety for its beneficiaries but also offers peace of mind for families who are concerned about the security and future of their loved ones. If appropriately aware and implemented, the Gharaunda Scheme can play a great role in enhancing the dignity and independent living abilities of persons with disabilities in India.
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