Social Justice Ministry distributes devices worth ₹63 lakh to differently-abled and senior citizens in Udupi

Union Ministry distributes assistive devices worth ₹63 lakh to 609 beneficiaries in Udupi, emphasizing empowerment of differently-abled and senior citizens.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Monday (January 6, 2024) distributed assistive devices worth ₹63 lakh to 609 beneficiaries under the Assistance to Disabled Persons and Assisted Living Devices to Senior Citizens schemes in Udupi district.

Speaking after distributing the devices provided by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) at Rajatadri, district office complex in Manipal, Kota Srinivas Poojary, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP, said he would make efforts to get a centre to repair the devices in Udupi.

He said the government has formulated several schemes to empower the differently-abled and senior citizens and urged them to make use of such schemes.

Besides introducing schemes, the government has also ensured quality devices were available to the beneficiaries through ALIMCO, a Government of India company.

Mr. Poojary said the Ministry has distributed devices worth ₹51 crore across the country this year.

Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari said the Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens has conducted a thorough scrutiny of the beneficiaries to identify right persons for the benefits. The devices would enable the beneficiaries to lead a lift of dignity independently. Minor repairs of thedevices would be done by ALIMCO, she said adding the administration would propose to the government to open a repair centre in Udupi.

Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi MLA, said the governments were working hard to ensure that everyone in the country leads a dignified life. He complimented ALIMCO for providing necessary devices. Hearing aids, wheelchairs, smartphones and other devices were distributed to the beneficiaries.