The Department of Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs (SW&TA) was established in 1978 with a vision to foster socio-economic and cultural development of the people of Lakshadweep. The department initially operated under four key sectors:
- Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
- Minority Welfare
- Tribal Affairs & Social Defense
- Social Security & Old Age Welfare
In 2007, the department was trifurcated and re-designated as Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs, focusing more comprehensively on the above areas.
The department serves as the nodal agency for welfare programmes targeting vulnerable sections, especially persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, and marginalized communities. It plays a vital role in implementing central and UT-sponsored schemes aimed at inclusive development.
schemes and projects:
- Implementation of RPWD Act 2016 / PwD Act 1995
Empowerment of specially-abled persons by providing equal opportunities, protection of rights, and inclusion in developmental processes. - UTL State Pension Scheme
Monthly pension of ₹1500 for eligible categories: old age, widows, abandoned individuals, and persons with disabilities. (As of May 2025, 3481 beneficiaries) - Marriage Allowance for PwDs
Financial assistance of ₹30,000 to support marriage-related expenses of PwDs. - Special Jobs for PwDs
Financially supporting the employment of disabled individuals through contract-based positions under the District Panchayat. (14 beneficiaries engaged since 01/09/2020) - Smart Utsav:
Annual sports and recreational events initiated in 2018 to identify and promote the skills of PwDs. - Drug Awarness Campaign: The Department initiated awareness campaigns on all islands. An amount of total ₹1.00 lakh was distributed to DC/BDO office to conduct various activities across the UT.
- Best Performance Award
The Department of SW&TA provides awards to children and adults with disabilities for outstanding performance in curricular and co-curricular activities. Nominations are invited as per departmental guidelines, and selected by a competent authority. - ADIP/RVY Camps
In collaboration with ALIMCO, Bangalore, ADIP/RVY camps provide free assistive devices such as motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and smartphones. Implemented through the National Health Mission, Kavaratti. - Day Care Centres
Three day care centres for children with disabilities (ages 6–16) are operated at Kavaratti, Androth, and Kadmat from 10 AM to 3 PM (except Fridays). - Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
The DDRS is a Central Government scheme by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), offering financial assistance to NGOs for projects related to education, rehabilitation, and empowerment of PwDs—such as special schools, vocational training, and early intervention centers.
NGOs in Lakshadweep can apply directly to DEPwD for funding. The Department of SW&TA will assist interested organizations in the application process. This opportunity has been communicated to the Lakshadweep Differently Abled Association, though no application has been submitted yet.
- Financial Assistance for Specialized Treatment
PwDs receives financial support and reimbursement for specialized medical treatment through NHM, Kavaratti. - UDID (Unique Disability ID)
Implemented in December 2019, the UDID project aims to streamline disability certification and benefits, managed through Health Services. - Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations
Support is provided to registered NGOs for conducting awareness, rehabilitation, and skill development programs. In 2023–24, ₹2.00 lakh was granted to Lakshadweep Differently Abled Welfare Association (LDWA) for Chakkara Care & Rehabilitation Centre, Andrott. - Celebration of Important Days
Annual observances of:
- International Senior Citizens Day (August 20th)
- International Day for Elderly Persons (October 1st)
International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3rd)
Through its multi-faceted initiatives, SW&TA ensures the empowerment, protection, and social integration of disadvantaged groups, while promoting the rights and welfare of tribal communities.