More than 58,000 Divyangjan, senior citizens receive assistive devices at nationwide camps
More than 58,000 Divyangjan and senior citizens across India received assistive devices worth approximately Rs 68 crore free of cost as part of nationwide Samajik Adhikarita Camps organised on Thursday at 76 locations across 21 states.
The initiative was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). The camps were aimed at enhancing mobility, independence, dignity and self-reliance among beneficiaries by providing assistive devices based on their assessed individual requirements.
The main programme was held at Lav-Kush Ramlila Maidan near the Red Fort in New Delhi, with Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar as the Chief Guest. The programme was virtually connected with camp locations across the country, bringing beneficiaries, public representatives, District Administration officials and ALIMCO officials together on a common nationwide platform.
Also present at the New Delhi programme were Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk; Kishor Makwana, Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Castes; Manmeet Nanda, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Praveen Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, ALIMCO, along with other senior officials and dignitaries.
Assistive devices as enablers of independent living
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, and emphasised that Divyangjan and senior citizens must remain active participants in India’s development journey.
The Minister said assistive devices are not merely instruments of support but important enablers of mobility, confidence, self-respect and independent living. He stressed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare schemes and assistive technologies reach eligible beneficiaries at the last mile.
Kumar also highlighted the expansion of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha-Vayoshri Kendras (PMD-VKs), with 109 centres currently operational across the country. These centres bring services under the ADIP Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) closer to beneficiaries.
He also referred to the establishment of 28 Single Window Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres (CDEICs), rehabilitation services provided through National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), and initiatives aimed at promoting Divyang sportspersons, including the Divyangta Sports Centre at Gwalior.
Call for wider participation in empowerment initiatives
Virendra Kumar emphasised that empowerment of Divyangjan and senior citizens is a shared social responsibility and called for greater participation from State Governments, District Administrations, civil society organisations, NGOs, social and religious institutions and the corporate sector.
He acknowledged the contribution of organisations including Tara Sansthan, Narayan Seva Sansthan and the Luv-Kush Ramlila Committee.
The Minister also called upon cultural and social organisations to create more platforms for Divyangjan to showcase their artistic and creative abilities. Referring to Divya Kala Melas, he highlighted their role in promoting entrepreneurship, livelihoods and economic independence among Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs.
He further stressed the need for continued efforts to make Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, public spaces and transport systems barrier-free, describing accessibility as a shared responsibility.
ALIMCO stresses quality and technology
Speaking on the occasion, ALIMCO Chairman and Managing Director Praveen Kumar highlighted the Corporation’s focus on the quality, utility and design of assistive devices.
He said efforts were being made to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate solutions suited to their individual requirements. He also highlighted ALIMCO’s increasing adoption of digital technology to make service delivery simpler, more efficient, transparent and beneficiary-centric.
“ALIMCO remains committed to the empowerment and welfare of Divyangjan and Senior Citizens. Our endeavour is to ensure that quality assistive devices reach beneficiaries in a timely manner and contribute meaningfully towards strengthening independence, self-reliance and dignity in their lives,” he said.
2,450 devices distributed to 463 beneficiaries in Delhi
At the New Delhi camp, 463 beneficiaries-446 senior citizens and 17 Divyangjan-were provided 2,450 assistive devices worth Rs 34.96 lakh.
The devices were distributed based on prior assessment of individual requirements and included motorised tricycles, tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, rollators, accessible canes, hearing aids, foldable walkers, tripods, commode wheelchairs, commode chairs, knee braces, LS belts and other assistive solutions.
Addressing the gathering, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal appreciated the Government’s efforts towards the empowerment of Divyangjan and senior citizens. He also highlighted the role of quality assistive devices in translating welfare initiatives into tangible support for beneficiaries.
The nationwide camps were organised by ALIMCO in collaboration with the respective District Administrations. Pre-assessment and testing camps were conducted to identify the individual requirements of beneficiaries and ensure that appropriate assistive devices were provided.
On the occasion, Virendra Kumar extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and called upon all stakeholders to strengthen the spirit of Seva and national service.
He also acknowledged the contribution of print and electronic media in spreading awareness and connecting eligible beneficiaries with Government initiatives.
The nationwide Samajik Adhikarita Camps were presented as part of a broader effort to take dignity, accessibility, opportunity and self-reliance to the last mile, with the objective of strengthening an inclusive, accessible, empowered and self-reliant India.
