The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is taking a significant step towards empowering persons with disabilities and senior citizens across the country through the organization of ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivirs’ at 74 locations nationwide. These camps are set to distribute various types of assistive devices to over 47,000 pre-identified persons with disabilities and senior citizens, as part of the Government of India’s ADIP (Assistance to Divyang Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances) and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana schemes.
Covering 20 states/union territories, these events will be connected online to the central program point at Manas Manch in Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh. The main distribution program in Tikamgarh was inaugurated by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, with the presence of local representatives and dignitaries.
The primary objective of these camps is to promote inclusivity across the nation, empowering persons with disabilities and senior citizens to lead productive, secure, and dignified lives. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is organizing these distribution camps in coordination with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and National Institutes and CRCs working under the administrative control of DEPwD.
Simultaneous distribution camps at various locations will have esteemed dignitaries participating:
- Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy, in Arrah, Bihar.
- Shri Ramdas Athawale, MoS, Social Justice and Empowerment, in Beed, Maharashtra.
- Kumari Pratima Bhaumik, MoS, Social Justice and Empowerment, in Dhalai, Tripura.
- Shri A. Narayanaswamy, MoS, SJE, in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
These distribution camps will provide various assistive devices, including motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, walkers, Braille kits, hearing aids, and more, aiming to make beneficiaries self-reliant and facilitate their integration into society. The event was be live-streamed on ALIMCO’s official YouTube channel.