Assistive devices distributed to elderly and disabled in South Delhi

Assistive devices such as hearing aids and wheelchairs were distributed Saturday to persons with disabilities and senior citizens below the poverty line in a camp at Chattarpur organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The camp was held by the Disability Division under the government's Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).

The scheme aims to help older people from economically weaker sections lead an active life and build an aged-friendly society by providing them with devices to maintain near normalcy in morbidity.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar who give away the aids and assistive living devices said the government was committed to the welfare of persons with disabilities and the elderly.

He said the government amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities legislation and increased the types of disabilities from seven to 21. The quantum of reservation was increased for people suffering from disabilities from three per cent to four per cent in government jobs, he added.

The minister said the work on a universal ID card for persons with disabilities was in progress.

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a PSU working under the aegis of the ministry organised the camp in close association with District Administration, South Delhi.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries were distributed aids and equipments such as motorised tricycles, tricycles, folding wheelchairs, spectacles, walking sticks, tripods and hearing aids etc estimated to be worth around Rs 50 lakh.