{"id":85160,"date":"2026-01-31T18:13:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T12:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=85160"},"modified":"2026-01-31T18:13:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T12:43:24","slug":"disha-scheme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/disha-scheme\/","title":{"rendered":"DISHA Scheme, Objectives, Features, Components, Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>DISHA Scheme (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a multi-dimensional government initiative designed to ensure <\/span><b>citizen-centric access to justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>early intervention for children with disabilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It works at the pan-India level and addresses both legal empowerment and the developmental needs of children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scheme aligns with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/preamble-of-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Preamble of the Constitution of India<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and constitutional provisions under <\/span><b>Articles 14, 21, and 39A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, focusing on equality, right to life, and free legal aid for marginalized citizens. Under the <\/span><b>National Trust Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, DISHA also supports early intervention and school readiness for children with developmental disabilities, helping them integrate into society and mainstream education.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>DISHA Scheme Objectives<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DISHA Scheme aims to provide citizen-centric access to justice and ensure early intervention for children with developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion, empowerment, and holistic development across India.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To provide free legal aid and pre-litigation advice to marginalized citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To improve awareness of legal rights and facilitate citizen engagement with the justice system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To detect developmental disabilities in children at an early stage and provide timely interventions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To deliver therapies and training for children with disabilities to prepare them for inclusive education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To empower parents and caregivers with counseling and skills to support child development at home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development for holistic growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To bridge gaps between marginalized populations or children with disabilities and mainstream society.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To enhance overall quality of life and enable independence and social integration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>DISHA Scheme Features<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DISHA Scheme is designed to provide holistic support for legal access and early intervention for children with disabilities, combining technology, therapy, and awareness programs for effective implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Targeted Support: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focuses on children aged 0-10 years with developmental disabilities and citizens needing legal aid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tele-Law Services:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides pre-litigation legal advice via video calls at CSCs and through the Tele-Law Mobile App.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nyaya Bandhu Programme:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Free legal assistance through registered pro bono advocates for marginalized communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Early Intervention Therapies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral interventions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>School Readiness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Prepares children for inclusive education by developing cognitive, social, and communication skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Parental Involvement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Counseling and training for parents and caregivers to support progress at home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Customized Care:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Individualized intervention plans based on each child\u2019s needs for better outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capacity Building:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enhances independence, adaptability, and social inclusion for children and marginalized groups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal Awareness Programmes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Educates citizens about their rights and responsibilities, promoting access to justice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Community-Based Implementation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Delivered through CSCs, registered DISHA centers, and National Trust organizations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ICT Enablement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use of mobile apps, e-courts, and technology-driven tools for efficient service delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Read about: <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wardha-scheme\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wardha Scheme<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><b>DISHA Scheme Components<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Tele-Law: Reaching the Unreached<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Tele-Law Service provides pre-litigation legal advice through video or teleconferencing facilities at <\/span><b>Common Service Centres (CSCs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and via the <\/span><b>Tele-Law Mobile App<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citizens in remote and rural areas can consult panel lawyers without visiting courts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthens legal awareness and reduces delays in judicial processes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. Nyaya Bandhu Programme<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) connects marginalized citizens with free legal assistance. The <\/span><b>Nyaya Bandhu Mobile App<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> links registered advocates with applicants needing support. It focuses on helping economically weaker sections navigate the legal system effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Legal Awareness Programmes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DISHA promotes legal literacy through a network of Legal Service Institutions under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 at national, state, district, and taluk levels. It helps citizens understand their rights and facilitates access to justice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Early Intervention and School Readiness for Children with Disabilities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DISHA under the <\/span><b>National Trust Act <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">focuses on <\/span><b>children aged 0\u201310 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides therapies including <\/span><b>physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral interventions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepares children for <\/span><b>inclusive education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and social integration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educates and counsels <\/span><b>parents and caregivers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to reinforce support at home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offers <\/span><b>customized care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to meet individual developmental needs, promoting independence and confidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>DISHA Scheme Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite its wide-ranging objectives, the DISHA Scheme faces several challenges that limit its effectiveness in both access to justice and early intervention for children with disabilities:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Coverage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many rural and remote areas remain underserved, reducing the scheme\u2019s reach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some DISHA centers lack proper equipment, facilities, and trained personnel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shortage of Specialists:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There is a deficit of qualified legal professionals, therapists, and counselors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low Awareness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Eligible citizens and parents often remain unaware of the scheme and its benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Funding Constraints:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Delayed or insufficient funds hinder proper functioning of DISHA centers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monitoring and Evaluation Gaps:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Limited mechanisms for tracking outcomes and ensuring accountability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digital Literacy Barriers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Difficulty in using mobile apps, online portals, or ICT-enabled services for beneficiaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transition to Inclusive Education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Coordination gaps between early intervention programs and mainstream schools.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Way Forward<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To strengthen the impact of the DISHA Scheme and ensure inclusive justice and early intervention, the following measures can be adopted:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expand Rural Outreach:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Extend services to underserved rural and remote areas to ensure equitable access.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improve Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Upgrade DISHA centers with modern facilities, equipment, and therapy tools for children and digital tools for legal services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Train Specialists:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increase the number of qualified legal professionals, therapists, and counselors to meet growing demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Raise Awareness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Conduct campaigns to educate citizens and parents about DISHA services and benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhance ICT Integration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Leverage mobile apps, e-courts, and digital platforms for efficient service delivery and case management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Monitoring &amp; Evaluation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Implement robust mechanisms to track program outcomes and ensure accountability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote Inclusive Education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensure smooth coordination between early intervention programs and mainstream schools.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>UPSC CSE Prelims PYQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Q1. With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements: [2013]<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) 1 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(b) 2 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans: (c)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Q2. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? [2020]<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Person with an annual income of less than 1,00,000<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender with an annual income of less than 2,00,000<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than `3,00,000<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Senior Citizens<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(b) 3 and 4 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(d) 1 and 4 only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DISHA Scheme ensures citizen-centric legal aid and early intervention for children with disabilities, offering therapies, school readiness, and inclusion across India.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":85195,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[5053],"class_list":{"0":"post-85160","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-disha-scheme","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85160"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85240,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85160\/revisions\/85240"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}