Goa Divyang Kaushal Yojana: Sheltered Workshop Grant for PwD Organizations

Divyang Kaushal Yojana is a newly notified scheme of the Government of Goa under which registered organisations, NGOs, trusts, and institutions receive financial assistance for setting up and running sheltered workshops that provide skill-based training to Persons with Disabilities for independent living through gainful employment. The scheme provides a maximum operational grant of Rs. 2,90,000 per month and a one-time setup grant of Rs. 10 lakh once in 5 years.

Introduction of Goa Divyang Kaushal Yojana: A Brief Insight

In Goa, thousands of Persons with Disabilities possess skills, willingness to work, and the desire to live independently, yet structured platforms for skill training and supervised employment remain limited. Divyang Kaushal Yojana is the Government of Goa’s direct response to this gap. The scheme was officially notified vide Notification No. 1/94/2024-25/DEPwD/Sch/Workshop/212 dated 12 May 2026 by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa and came into force on 21 May 2026 upon publication in the Official Gazette Series I No. 8.

Before understanding the scheme, one important distinction must be clear. Divyang Kaushal Yojana does not provide direct financial assistance to individual Persons with Disabilities. Instead, the Government of Goa provides grant support to registered organisations, NGOs, trusts, and institutions that set up and run Sheltered Workshops for Persons with Disabilities. These sheltered workshops impart skill-based training and supervised work opportunities to help PwDs achieve independent living through gainful employment.

Under the scheme, approved organisations receive a maximum operational grant of Rs. 2,90,000 per month on a reimbursement basis, covering costs of vocational staff, administrative expenses, transport allowance, and food expenses. The Government reimburses 75% of the actual expenditure and the organisation bears the remaining 25%. In addition, a one-time capital grant of Rs. 10 lakh is available once every 5 years for setting up the workshop, purchasing furniture, machinery, and raw materials. The entire profit generated from workshop activities must be distributed to the Persons with Disabilities who are part of the sheltered workshop.

The scheme aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the broader national vision of empowering Divyangjan through dignified livelihood. At the Central Government level, the Union Budget 2026-27 also announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for skill training of PwDs in IT, AVGC, Hospitality, and Food and Beverages sectors along with the Divyangjan Sahara Yojana for assistive device support through ALIMCO. These Central schemes complement Goa’s state-level sheltered workshop initiative.

Organisations interested in applying must meet key eligibility conditions, including a minimum of 3 years of field experience in PwD empowerment, registration under Section 50 of the RPwD Act 2016, a minimum enrolment of 20 Persons with Disabilities, and accessible physical and digital infrastructure. Sanctioned units per district are restricted to a maximum of 6. The Sanctioning Committee, chaired by the Minister for DEPwD, approves all applications.

Organisations and institutions working in the disability empowerment sector in Goa can also explore the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), which provides concessional loans for income-generating activities for Persons with Disabilities through state channelising agencies. Self-employed Persons with Disabilities in Goa can additionally explore the Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana operated by the State Corporation, which provides concessional credit for starting income-generating activities.

Organizations and institutions looking for more disability welfare, skill development, livelihood support, and social empowerment programmes can also explore other initiatives available under our Goa Government Schemes List and Central Government Schemes List sections according to their area of work and eligibility.

What Is a Sheltered Workshop Under Divyang Kaushal Yojana?

A Sheltered Workshop is the core operational unit around which the entire Divyang Kaushal Yojana is built. As defined in the official scheme notification published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Goa dated 21 May 2026, a Sheltered Workshop is an organisation or environment that provides skill-based training and supervised work opportunities to Persons with Disabilities with the aim of helping them achieve independent living through gainful employment.

In simple terms, a sheltered workshop is a protected and structured work environment where Persons with Disabilities receive vocational training, learn practical skills, and work under supervision. Unlike a regular workplace, a sheltered workshop is specifically designed to accommodate the needs, abilities, and pace of persons with different types of disabilities. It provides a safe and supportive setting where PwDs can build confidence, develop employable skills, and contribute meaningfully to productive activities.

Under the Divyang Kaushal Yojana, the Government of Goa provides financial assistance to NGOs, organisations, trusts, and institutions that set up and manage these sheltered workshops. The workshop must have qualified vocational staff, accessible infrastructure, and a structured training programme for enrolled PwDs. All profit generated from workshop activities must be distributed to the Persons with Disabilities who are part of the sheltered workshop.

Who Can Benefit From Divyang Kaushal Yojana?

Divyang Kaushal Yojana operates on an institutional support model. Understanding who benefits at each level helps organisations and individuals make the right decision before applying.

• Organisations and NGOs registered under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 with at least 3 years of field experience in PwD empowerment, can apply for financial assistance to set up and run sheltered workshops
• Government Organizations working in the disability empowerment sector in Goa can also apply under the scheme with relaxed eligibility conditions
• Trusts and Institutions engaged in disability welfare and skill development programmes for PwDs are also eligible to apply
• Persons with Disabilities above 18 years of age, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, benefit indirectly through skill-based training, supervised work opportunities, and profit distribution from approved sheltered workshops

Important: Individual Persons with Disabilities cannot apply directly under the Divyang Kaushal Yojana. Only registered organisations, NGOs, trusts, and government institutions can apply for financial assistance to run sheltered workshops under the scheme.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Organisations

Divyang Kaushal Yojana provides two types of financial assistance to approved organisations for running sheltered workshops for Persons with Disabilities in Goa.

Monthly Operational GrantThe

Government of Goa reimburses 75% of the actual expenditure incurred by the organisation. The organisation bears the remaining 25% of the cost. The maximum operational grant payable is Rs. 2,90,000 per month on production of supporting documents such as bills, vouchers, and receipts.

• Financial assistance to 1 Vocational In-charge: Rs. 25,000 per month
• Financial assistance to 2 Vocational Assistants or Special Educators at Rs. 20,000 each for 20 PwDs: Rs. 40,000 per month
• For every additional 10 PwDs, 1 additional Vocational Assistant at Rs. 20,000 per month is permissible up to a maximum of 4 Vocational Assistants, totalling Rs. 80,000 per month
• Financial assistance to 1 Clerk cum Accountant: Rs. 18,000 per month
• Financial assistance to 2 Attendants or Caretakers at Rs. 16,000 each: Rs. 32,000 per month
• Administrative expenses, including Rent, Maintenance, Electricity, Water, and Telephone: Rs. 15,000 per month
• Transport Allowance at Rs. 2,000 per inmate for 20 inmates: Rs. 40,000 per month
• Food expenses at Rs. 200 per inmate per day for 20 inmates: Rs. 1,20,000 per month

One-Time Capital Grant

• One-time grant of Rs. 10,00,000 (Rs. 10 lakh) for setting up the Sheltered Workshop
• Covers the purchase of furniture, machinery, and 50% cost of raw material
• Sanctioned once in every 5 years after following the Codal formalities and the rules in force of the Government of Goa

Important Conditions on Benefits

• Operational grant is released in 2 instalments per year on a reimbursement basis
• The second instalment is released only after the submission of the Utilisation Certificate as per FORM-12A of GFR Rules 2017
• The entire profit generated from the sheltered workshop must be distributed to the Persons with Disabilities who are part of the workshop
• Non-submission of the Utilisation Certificate and Audited Statement of Accounts within 6 months from the date of release of grants leads to disqualification for subsequent grants

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Divyang Kaushal Yojana provides financial assistance to organisations for running sheltered workshops. The scheme is not for individual persons with disabilities. The following eligibility conditions apply to organisations applying under the scheme as per the Official Gazette notification dated 21 May 2026.

Eligible Organizations

• Registered Organizations engaged in the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• Government Organizations working in the disability empowerment sector
• Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
• Trusts and Institutions working for Persons with Disabilities

Mandatory Eligibility Conditions

• The organisation must be registered as per Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
• Organisation must have a minimum of 20 Persons with Disabilities at the time of application
• An organisation must have at least 3 years of field experience in working for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• The organisation must have financial viability to independently sustain sheltered workshop operations for a minimum period of 6 months, even if government grants are delayed, or the scheme is discontinued
• The organisation must have a good reputation and credibility with no criminal offence registered against it
• An organisation must be capable of mobilising the community and effectively networking with other institutions for optimum utilisation of resources
• An organisation must have accessible physical and digital infrastructure

District-wise Restriction

• Sanctioned units per district are restricted to a maximum of 6 units

Important: For Government Organisations, conditions related to RPwD Act registration, minimum PwD enrolment, and district restriction are not applicable as per the official scheme notification.

Documents Required to be Attached

Organisations applying for financial assistance under Divyang Kaushal Yojana must submit the following documents along with the application form in prescribed Annexure I, II, and III to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa.

• Application in the prescribed proforma as per Annexure I, II, and III
• Report confirming at least 3 years of field experience in working for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• Copy of Certificate of Registration as per Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
• Annual Statement of Accounts, Audited Statements of Accounts, and receipt and payment details of the organisation for the last 1 year audited by a Chartered Accountant
• List of Persons with Disabilities in Annexure II with Name, Residential Address, Age, Type of Disability, and UDID Number of each person
• Details of workshop activities and skill-based training provided for students and persons with disabilities
• Affidavit by the President of the NGO before the Executive Magistrate or Notary confirming that financial assistance under any similar scheme from any other department has not been availed of
• Copy of the Bank Passbook of the organisation

Important: For Government Organisations, documents at items 2, 3, and 7 above are not applicable as per the official scheme notification.

How Organizations Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Organisations interested in setting up a sheltered workshop under Divyang Kaushal Yojana must submit their application to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa. The application process is offline as per the official scheme notification published in the Official Gazette dated 21 May 2026.

Step 1: Ensure the organisation meets all eligibility conditions, including a minimum of 3 years of field experience, registration under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, a minimum enrolment of 20 Persons with Disabilities, and accessible physical and digital infrastructure.

Step 2: Obtain the prescribed application forms in Annexure I, II, and III from the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa or contact the department at dir-gpps.goa@nic.in for application-related queries.

Step 3: Fill the application form in Annexure I with complete organisation details, including name, address, year of establishment, registration number, and details of skill-based training provided.

Step 4: Prepare Annexure II with the list of all Persons with Disabilities to be enrolled in the sheltered workshop. Each entry must include name, residential address, age, type of disability, and UDID number.

Step 5: Prepare Annexure III with complete staff details, including name and address, designation, qualification, contact number, and email ID of each staff member.

Step 6: Compile all required supporting documents, including audited financial statements, registration certificate, bank passbook copy, and affidavit confirming no similar scheme benefit has been availed from any other department.

Step 7: Submit the complete application along with all annexures and supporting documents to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa.

Step 8: The Sanctioning Committee, chaired by the Minister for the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, will review the application. The committee includes the Secretary and Director of DEPwD as members.

Step 9: After approval, the organisation sets up the sheltered workshop and submits claims for reimbursement with supporting bills, vouchers, and receipts. Government reimburses 75% of actual expenditure up to a maximum of Rs. 2,90,000 per month.

Step 10: Submit the Utilisation Certificate as per FORM-12A of GFR Rules 2017 within 6 months of receiving each instalment to remain eligible for subsequent grant releases.

Important Links Available

• Goa Divyang Kaushal Yojana Official Guidelines.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Organisations facing issues related to the Divyang Kaushal Yojana application, eligibility, documentation, or grant-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
  Government of Goa,
  Porvorim, Goa
• Official Email: dir-gpps.goa@nic.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Divyang Kaushal Yojana?

Ans. Divyang Kaushal Yojana is a scheme notified by the Government of Goa to provide financial assistance to registered organisations, NGOs, trusts, and institutions for setting up and running sheltered workshops that impart skill-based training to Persons with Disabilities for independent living through gainful employment.

Q. When was the Divyang Kaushal Yojana notified?

Ans. The scheme was notified vide Notification No. 1/94/2024-25/DEPwD/Sch/Workshop/212 dated 12 May 2026 and published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Goa, Series I No. 8 dated 21 May 2026. The scheme came into force from the date of its publication.

Q. Which department implements the Divyang Kaushal Yojana in Goa?

Ans. The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, implements the scheme.

Q. Is this scheme for individual Persons with Disabilities?

Ans. No. Divyang Kaushal Yojana provides financial assistance to organisations, NGOs, trusts, and government institutions for setting up sheltered workshops. Individuals with Disabilities benefit indirectly through skill training provided at these workshops.

Q. What is a Sheltered Workshop under Divyang Kaushal Yojana?

Ans. A Sheltered Workshop is an organisation or environment that provides skill-based training and supervised work opportunities to Persons with Disabilities with the aim of helping them achieve independent living through gainful employment.

Q. What is the maximum monthly operational grant under the scheme?

Ans. The maximum operational grant is Rs. 2,90,000 per month. The government reimburses 75% of the actual expenditure on the production of supporting documents. The organisation bears the remaining 25% of the cost.

Q. What is the one-time capital grant available under the scheme?

Ans. A one-time grant of Rs. 10,00,000 (Rs. 10 lakh) is available for setting up the sheltered workshop, including the purchase of furniture, machinery, and 50% cost of raw material. This grant is sanctioned once in every 5 years.

Q. What is the minimum number of Persons with Disabilities required for applying?

Ans. The applying organisation must have a minimum enrolment of 20 Persons with Disabilities at the time of application.

Q. How many sanctioned units are allowed per district under the scheme?

Ans. Sanctioned units per district are restricted to a maximum of 6 units.

Q. What experience is required for organisations to apply?

Ans. The organisation must have at least 3 years of field experience in working for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Q. How are grants released under the scheme?

Ans. Operational grants are released in 2 instalments per year on a reimbursement basis. The second instalment is released only after the organisation submits the Utilisation Certificate as per FORM-12A of GFR Rules 2017.

Q. What happens to the profit generated by the sheltered workshop?

Ans. The entire profit generated by the sheltered workshop must be distributed to the Persons with Disabilities who are part of the workshop.

Q. Who approves applications under Divyang Kaushal Yojana?

Ans. A Sanctioning Committee, chaired by the Minister for the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, approves applications. The Secretary and Director of the department are members of this committee.

Q. Where should organisations submit their application?

Ans. Organisations must submit their application in prescribed Annexure I, II, and III to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa. For queries, organisations can contact dir-gpps.goa@nic.in.

Q. Can Government Organizations also apply under the scheme?

Ans. Yes. Government Organizations are also eligible to apply. However, certain conditions, such as RPwD Act registration, minimum PwD enrolment requirement, and district restriction, are not applicable for Government Organisations.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.