Restoring Lives, Rebuilding Hopes: A transformational CSR initiative from disability to dignity in Singrauli (M.P) & Sonbhadra (U.P)

District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, to facilitate comprehensive services to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the rural areas.  In Singrauli, DDRC came into existence in the year 2021 with Indian Red Cross Society as the implementing partner of District administration for this scheme.

NCL in co-ordination with District Administration, Singrauli, provides financial assistance to DDRC for organizing activities and services for the PwDs of Singrauli (M.P) and Sonebhadra (U.P) under CSR, which majorly include:

• Identification & assessment of the Divyangs in the Singrauli (M.P) and Sonbhadra (U.P) through organizing of various inward and outreach camps.
• Distribution of aids and appliances to the identified Divyangs.
• Providing therapeutic services like speech therapy, physiotherapy occupational therapy, and vocational guidance & counseling to children with disabilities & their parents.
• Supports the differently abled for inclusion in mainstream of society through social security pension, facilitation in railway and bus concession certificate, Disability certificates, UDID Cards & vaccination for PwDs.
• Referral and arrangement of surgical correction through Govt and NCL CHARAK Health scheme.
• Providing them with opportunities for livelihood generation for their self-reliance by distribution of E-rickshaw to identified families of Divyangs – a project being taken up in the current FY 2025-26.
  
  

Northern Coalfield Limited (NCL) has allocated Rs. 2.84 Crores under CSR in FY 2022-23 for the running and operation (for three years i.e. up to March ‘2025) of above centre. On successful completion, the project has been repeated for the FY 2025-2028 with an additional fund provision of Rs. 2.97 crores.

Their approach was primarily camp-based and outreach-focused, with regular field visits and community mobilization in collaboration with local governance and healthcare workers. And through secondary data research highlights that as per MP govt. According to the Social Justice Department, the total PwDs (including senior citizens) receiving the social security under different government schemes alone in Singrauli district itself is about 12,578.

Short-Term Outcome achieved (2022–2025)

• Conducted 195 outreach camps covering 659 villages across Singrauli ( M.P) & Sonhadra District (U.P.)
• Assessed 5293 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) for assistive and therapeutic needs.
• Delivered 3385 assistive devices (mobility aids, hearing aids, prosthetics, etc.)
• Provided therapeutic services (physiotherapy, audiometry, counselling) to 1908 individuals.
• The DDRC, equipped with advanced BERA and impedance audiometry technology, enabled early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairments, benefiting 1,270 PwDs with improved communication abilities.
• The center boasts a well-equipped prosthetic and orthotic workshop where 1664 individuals improved their physical ability.
• Created a skilled local team of therapists, educators & counsellors, generating employment.
• Mobilized ASHA, Anganwadi & educators for PwDs inclusion through awareness drives.
   

Long-Term Outcome (2025–2028 and Beyond)

• Expanded services will benefit over 7500 PwDs, including outreach in neighboring districts.
• Enhanced the program scope to include early intervention, vocational training, and psychological support.
• Develop DDRC Singrauli into a Centre of Excellence for rural disability rehabilitation.
• Established a localized, camp-based rehabilitation model as a foundation for scale-up.
• Replicate DDRC model in other districts via MoSJ&E–NCL CSR collaboration.
• Promote inclusive education, employment opportunities, and long-term social integration for PwDs.
• Support evidence-based advocacy for community-based rehabilitation at the national level.
• The project is scheduled for third-party impact assessment in the current financial year 2025-26, in line with statutory compliance requirements. Meanwhile, an internal periodic assessment has been conducted.
• NCL has linked Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) to livelihood projects aimed at promoting financial independence and self-reliance. Under NCL’s CSR initiative, five Divyangjan have been provided with e-rickshaws, enabling them to earn a sustainable livelihood and improve their socio-economic well-being.

Conclusion

The initiative in Singrauli demonstrates a high Social Return on Investment (SROI) by delivering multidimensional impact through a rights-based and capability-enhancing framework. Through 195 outreach interventions and coverage across 659 underserved villages, the project has operationalized accessibility and equity in disability rehabilitation. By enabling functional independence via assistive devices, therapeutic care, and psycho-social support, it significantly contributed to human capital restoration and reduction in care-dependency ratio among 4,000+ PwDs. The integration of physiotherapy, audiometry, and prosthetic services led to measurable improvements in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and community reintegration metrics.

The project’s inclusive delivery model promotes empowerment, resilience, and behavioural transformation, while also mitigating structural barriers faced by PwDs. The project also addressed social inclusion by reducing stigma and dependence on caregivers, exemplified by life-changing cases like that of Manish Sharma (a beneficiary of DDRC, Singrauli). The initiative not only bridges the service gap but promotes long-term dignity and autonomy, transforming assistive aid from a charity model to one of empowerment and social justice.