Free Assistive Devices for Senior Citizens and Divyangjan: Government Distributes Equipment Worth ₹68 Crore
Thousands of senior citizens and persons with disabilities received free assistive devices under a nationwide government initiative conducted across India on 17 September 2026.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organised Samajik Adhikarita Camps at 76 locations across 21 States. More than 58,000 Divyangjan and senior citizens received assistive devices worth approximately ₹68 crore.
What are Samajik Adhikarita Camps?Samajik Adhikarita Camps are organised to take welfare and assistive-technology services directly to eligible beneficiaries.
The latest camps were conducted in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), which provides a range of assistive devices based on the individual requirements of beneficiaries.
The equipment is provided free of cost to eligible people after assessment of their needs.
What kind of support is available?Assistive devices can help people with disabilities and elderly citizens with mobility, hearing, vision and other everyday activities.
Depending on the individual's assessed requirements, support can include mobility aids and other assistive equipment designed to improve independence and participation in daily life.
The exact device provided depends on the beneficiary's disability, age, functional needs and assessment.
Who can benefit?The initiative covers two major groups:
- Persons with disabilities (Divyangjan)
- Eligible senior citizens
However, receiving a device is subject to the eligibility criteria and assessment requirements of the applicable government programme.
Beneficiaries generally need to provide the required identity, disability or age-related documentation and undergo an assessment to determine which assistive device is appropriate.
Government has expanded access centresThe government has also highlighted the expansion of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha-Vayoshri Kendras (PMD-VKs).
According to the latest update, 109 such centres are operational across the country. These centres bring services under programmes including the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) closer to beneficiaries.
This is particularly relevant for people who may have difficulty travelling long distances to access government assistance.
What is the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana focuses on providing physical aids and assisted-living devices to eligible senior citizens who have age-related disabilities or impairments.
The objective is to help elderly beneficiaries maintain mobility and independence in their daily lives.
The ADIP Scheme is designed to assist persons with disabilities by providing suitable aids and appliances.
The equipment is intended to reduce the impact of disabilities and improve the person's ability to function independently.
New centres for early interventionThe government also highlighted the establishment of 28 Single Window Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres.
These centres are intended to provide early intervention and rehabilitation-related services for children with disabilities and their families.
Early identification and intervention can be important in helping children access appropriate rehabilitation and support services at an early stage.
How can eligible people find out about assistance?People who believe they may qualify should contact the nearest government disability-welfare office, District Administration or an operational PMD-VK/ALIMCO-linked centre.
Applicants should keep relevant documents such as Aadhaar, disability certificate or UDID card, age proof and other documents required under the applicable scheme.
Availability of particular devices and camps can vary by location and beneficiary requirements.
Why this update mattersThe latest nationwide campaign shows that government assistance is increasingly being delivered through local camps and dedicated centres rather than requiring beneficiaries to depend entirely on centralised offices.
The September 17 initiative covered 76 locations in 21 States and provided assistance to more than 58,000 people in a single nationwide exercise.
For eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities, such programmes can provide access to equipment that may otherwise be expensive or difficult to obtain.
Bottom lineMore than 58,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities received free assistive devices worth around ₹68 crore during the latest Samajik Adhikarita Camps held across 21 States.