Summary of this article
Budget expands skill training and jobs for Divyangjan
Assistive devices access boosted through ALIMCO and AI
Mental health and trauma care infrastructure strengthened
The Union Budget 2026 has presented a set of targeted measures for strengthening the support system for the divyangjan (people with disabilities) and senior citizens. The announcements are focused on skill development, access to assistive devices, expansion of mental healthcare infrastructure and improved emergency and trauma care services. These proposals form part of the people-centric plan of development, which has been presented in the Budget 2026.
Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana: Employment-Linked Skills
One of the key proposals is the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, which aims to provide industry-relevant and customised training for persons with disabilities. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stated that sectors like information technology, animation, visual effects, gaming and comics, hospitality, food and beverages have job opportunities that are task-oriented and process-driven, which are suitable for Divyangjan.
"We will ensure dignified livelihood opportunities through industry-relevant and customised training specific to each divyang group," she said while presenting the Budget. Under the scheme, training programmes will be designed based on the needs of various disability groups and not based on a general skilling model. The emphasis is on matching functional competencies with sectoral job roles so as to enhance employability outcomes.
Divyang Sahara Yojana to Improve Access to Assistive Devices
The Budget has also proposed Divyang Sahara Yojana with a view to facilitating timely access to good quality assistive devices for eligible Divyangjan. The government has identified access to assistive technology as a basic necessity for independence and participation in education, employment and daily life.
As part of the scheme, the government will support the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up production of assistive devices. The proposal includes increased investment in research and development, integration of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, customisation and durability of products.
In addition, PM Divyasha Kendras will be strengthened, and Assistive Technology Marts will be established as modern centres of retail shopping. These centres will allow Divyangjan and senior citizens to browse, try and buy assistive products in one place, in turn improving accessibility and informed choice.
Focus on Senior Care and Care Giver Training
The Budget has also highlighted the growing demand for organised senior care services. For the development of an all-around care ecosystem, the government has suggested training 1.5 lakhs multi-skilled workers for geriatric and allied care services. The trained workforce is expected to have an important role to play in meeting the needs of an ageing population, especially in home-based and institutional care settings.
Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure
Highlighting the lack of infrastructure in mental healthcare, particularly in northern India, the Budget 2026 has also proposed to set up a NIMHANS-2 as a national-level mental health institute.
Apart from this, National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur will be upgraded as regional apex institutions.
Emergency and Trauma Care Expansion
The Budget 2026 has additionally focused on strengthening the emergency healthcare capacity. Noting that medical emergencies tend to put vulnerable families in unexpected financial expenditure, the government has proposed to establish Emergency and Trauma Care Centres in district hospitals. Capacities in these hospitals will be increased by 50 per cent for better response and treatment outcomes.
Rajagopal G, co-founder and Group CEO of Lifebridge group, said, "I’m encouraged to see geriatric care receive explicit recognition in the Budget, particularly the intent to build a structured care ecosystem and formalise caregiving through NSQF-aligned training. While the impact will depend on how these measures are implemented, they acknowledge ageing as both a service challenge and a workforce issue. The emphasis on Tier II and III cities also presents a meaningful opportunity to expand senior living and care infrastructure beyond the metros."
