Provision of Special Assistance for Development of Low-Cost Educational Materials

Provision of Special Assistance for Development of Low-Cost Educational Materials (SIPDA) provides financial grants to approved agencies that make affordable assistive learning tools such as Braille books, talking books, large print books, and digital content for visually impaired students. The scheme works under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the government has renamed this component as the Project on Financial Support for Development of Accessible Learning Materials (DALM Project).

National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, is the nodal agency that coordinates the scheme. As of August 2026, the scheme remains in force and continues to support agencies that produce free learning material for visually impaired students from school up to higher education.

Provision of Special Assistance for Development of Low-Cost Educational Materials - Introduction

The scheme gives money help to agencies for setting up and modernizing the infrastructure needed to produce accessible learning material. This includes Braille presses, talking book studios, large print units, and digital or E-PUB centres. The scheme was revised and reformulated on 28 January 2016, and the educational materials component was later renamed as the DALM Project in November 2023.

Under the DALM Project, the government has so far set up 25 Braille presses, 3 large print presses, 7 talking book centres, and 9 E-PUB centres across the country. These units have produced over 15 crore Braille pages and have benefited more than 1.79 lakh visually impaired students till 2025-26.

Benefits

Scheme offers financial support to approved agencies in the following areas:

Eligibility

Individual Eligibility

A student pursuing school or higher education with a visual impairment can get the benefit. A valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by the authorized body is required.

Institutional Eligibility

The agency should be officially approved for the DALM Project. The organization should actively work in the development, manufacture, or distribution of educational materials made for people with visual disabilities.

Application Process

For Implementing Agencies

STEP 1 - Prepare a detailed project proposal that explains the infrastructure you want to set up or upgrade.

STEP 2 - Submit this proposal to NIEPVD or the relevant state authority for review.

STEP 3 - Once the project gets approval, funds are paid out according to the approved amount.

STEP 4 - Keep the process clear by sending regular progress reports and use certificates for the grants received.

For Student Beneficiaries

STEP 1 - Visit an approved implementing agency near you.

STEP 2 - Provide your Aadhaar, UDID, and school or college identity documents.

STEP 3 - The agency will help you get the required learning resources.

Official Contacts

Website: niepvd.nic.in

Scheme Page: DALM Project on NIEPVD

Department: SIPDA on DEPwD

Telephone: 7579278149

Documents

Documents for Students

1. Unique Disability ID (UDID)
2. Proof of date of birth
3. Parent or guardian mobile number
4. Valid school or college ID

Documents for Implementing Agencies

1. Detailed project proposal for production of educational support material
2. Relevant financial statements for grant applications
3. Other statutory compliance documents as required by the state

References

Official DALM Project Guidelines

SIPDA Scheme Details on DEPwD

FAQ's

What is the objective of Provision of Special Assistance for Development of Low-Cost Educational Materials (SIPDA)?

The objective is to give financial support to approved agencies for developing and modernizing the infrastructure needed to produce accessible educational material for visually impaired students.

Who is eligible to apply for support under this scheme?

Eligible applicants include recognized agencies that produce educational resources such as Braille or digital books for students with visual impairments.

What types of organizations can receive the grant?

Grant support is given to operational agencies or institutions recognized by the state or central authority that are dedicated to creating accessible educational content.

What specific types of infrastructure are supported?

The scheme supports Braille presses, talking book studios, digital book centres, and large print production units.

Is the support recurring or one-time?

The support is mainly non-recurring, focusing on setting up or modernizing infrastructure rather than regular running costs.

What kind of modernization activities are covered?

Modernization includes upgrading production equipment, increasing technical capacity, and digital change of the facility.

Are private organizations eligible for financial support?

Private organizations may be eligible if they are officially recognized as implementing agencies and meet project rules.

What kind of educational content production is encouraged?

The scheme encourages the production of Braille, talking, digital, and large print books made for the learning needs of students with visual disabilities.

Does the scheme include any support for training?

No, the scheme focuses on infrastructure and production and does not currently cover training programs.

What are the responsibilities of the implementing agency?

An agency should make sure of timely use of grants, maintain its infrastructure, and regularly produce accessible content for students.

How can I reach out for further queries?

You can contact the official helpline at 7579278149 or visit the official NIEPVD website for further guidance.