Assistive devices handed to senior citizens
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 15 2024:
Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar virtually kicked off a camp for distribution of aids and assistive devices to senior citizens and 'Divyangjan' (differently abled persons) under "Samajik Adhikarita Shivir" held at Social Welfare Directorate Complex located at North AOC, Imphal today.
The event was jointly organised by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and Department of Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities.
At today's event, 4353 aids and assistive devices were distributed to 756 senior citizen beneficiaries of the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY Scheme) from Imphal West and Kakching and 155 devices were distributed to 80 Divyangjan beneficiaries under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances Scheme (ADIP Scheme) .
Altogether Rs 92,56,130 worth of devices were handed out to the beneficiaries from Imphal West and Kakching.
Under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 544 wheelchairs, 8 tricycles, 5 CP chairs, 5 rollators, 15 chairs/stools with commode, 618 walking sticks, 60 crutches, 11 smartphones, 8 smart cane, 1 braille kit, 17 walkers, 713 spinal support, 1174 knee braces, 106 cervical collar, 82 silicon foam cushion, 464 hearing aids, 350 spectacles and 21 tetrapods and tripods were distributed.
Notably, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) was the implementing agency of the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir distribution camp.
Attending the event virtually from New Delhi as the chief guest, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar stated that the aids and assistive devices were distributed as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts for the welfare of senior citizens and differently abled persons of India.
Urging people to treat senior citizens and Divyangjans with care, he also sought the support of the concerned stakeholders to ensure that these devices reach the beneficiaries on time.
Addressing the gathering, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo stated that the department provides numerous benefits to the public through different schemes.
On top of the aids and assistive devices distributed today, he assured that similar distribution camps will be organised for beneficiaries of other districts.
However, he maintained that the ongoing conflict is proving to be a stumbling block in distributing the appliances all at once.
Meanwhile, Ngangom Uttam, Director, Social Welfare stated that the distribution of aids and assistive devices was conducted after thorough assessment camps organised by the Social Welfare Department and ALIMCO.
Thus he urged senior citizens and differently abled persons to participate in these assessment camps while adding that those who do not take part in these camps will not be eligible to receive the assistive devices.
Lastly, he extended his gratitude to ALIMCO for conducting the assessment camps and acting as the implementing agency of the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir distribution camp.