In a major nationwide initiative towards building an inclusive, accessible and empowered India, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, in collaboration with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), organised Samajik Adhikarita Camps simultaneously at 76 locations across 21 States on 17 September 2026.

Through these camps, more than 58,000 Divyangjan and Senior Citizens were provided assistive devices worth approximately ₹68 crore, free of cost, based on their assessed individual requirements. The initiative aims to enhance mobility, independence, dignity and self-reliance, enabling beneficiaries to participate more actively in their families, communities and the nation’s development journey.

The programme was organised at Lav-Kush Ramlila Maidan, Red Fort, New Delhi, with Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, as the Chief Guest.

On the occasion, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk; Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Castes; Smt. Manmeet Nanda, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Shri Praveen Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIMCO, along with other senior officials and dignitaries, were present.

The New Delhi programme was virtually connected with camp locations across the country, bringing beneficiaries, public representatives, District Administration officials and ALIMCO officials from different States onto a common nationwide platform.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, emphasising that Divyangjan and Senior Citizens must remain active participants in India’s development journey. “Assistive Devices are Enablers of Dignity, Confidence and Independent Living,” said the minister.

The Union Minister underlined that assistive devices are not merely instruments of support, but powerful 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.

Highlighting the broader ecosystem for empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar referred to the expansion of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha-Vayoshri Kendras (PMD-VKs), with 109 centres operational across the country, bringing services under the ADIP Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) closer to beneficiaries.

He also highlighted the establishment of 28 Single Window Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres (CDEICs), rehabilitation services through National Institutes and CRCs, and initiatives to promote Divyang sportspersons, including the Divyangta Sports Centre at Gwalior.

Emphasising that empowerment is a shared social responsibility, the Minister called for greater participation of 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 Luv-Kush Ramlila Committee.

The Minister also called upon cultural and social organisations to provide 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 create barrier-free government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, public spaces and transport systems, describing accessibility as a shared responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Praveen Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIMCO, highlighted the Corporation’s continued focus on the quality, utility and design of assistive devices, ensuring 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.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, appreciated the Government’s efforts towards the empowerment of Divyangjan and Senior Citizens and highlighted the role of quality assistive devices in translating welfare initiatives into tangible support for beneficiaries.

At the New Delhi camp, 463 beneficiaries, 446 Senior Citizens and 17 Divyangjan were provided 2,450 assistive devices worth ₹34.96 lakh. Based on prior assessment, the devices 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.

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, Dr. Virendra Kumar extended greetings to Prime Minister Shri 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 represent much more than the distribution of assistive devices, they reflect a collective national endeavour to take dignity, accessibility, opportunity and self-reliance to the last mile, strengthening the vision of an inclusive, accessible, empowered and self-reliant India.

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