Karnataka Ranks Eighth Nationally With 2.64 Lakh Visually Impaired Persons

Karnataka ranks eighth nationally in visual disability figures, accounting for 2,64,170 visually impaired persons, according to Census 2011 data presented by the central government in the Lok Sabha.

The state contributes roughly 5.2 percent to India’s total population of 50,33,431 persons with visual disabilities. Karnataka's count places it just below Madhya Pradesh, which recorded 2.70 lakh persons, and marginally ahead of Odisha, which recorded 2.63 lakh persons.

Within southern India, Karnataka recorded the highest number of visually disabled individuals with the exception of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka’s numbers stood significantly higher than Tamil Nadu, which registered 1.27 lakh visually impaired persons, and Kerala, which reported 1.15 lakh, making the state a major contributor to the region's overall visual disability figures.

Nationally, Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 7.63 lakh persons with visual disabilities, accounting for over 15 percent of the country's total. Maharashtra ranked second with 5.74 lakh, followed by Bihar with 5.49 lakh. West Bengal and undivided Andhra Pradesh also recorded higher numbers than Karnataka, partly reflecting their larger population bases at the time of the Census.

The national ranking highlights the scale of support required across Karnataka's urban and rural districts, particularly regarding access to rehabilitation services, assistive devices, education, and livelihood opportunities.

Responding to the data, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B L Verma stated that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities implements multiple schemes providing rehabilitation, education, and financial assistance.

Under the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme, the government offers grants to support projects and District Disability Rehabilitation Centres. Additionally, the Assistance to Disabled Persons scheme provides funding to agencies that distribute assistive aids and appliances to aid beneficiaries in their daily physical and economic activities.

Verma noted that the government also runs a comprehensive scholarship umbrella covering six categories, including pre-matric, post-matric, top-class education, and overseas studies. The department further funds fellowships for MPhil and PhD scholars and supports coaching for competitive examinations to help persons with disabilities attain improved physical, sensory, and socio-functional levels.