Recently, India’s Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment virtually inaugurated an Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) Camp intended for the free distribution of assistive aids and devices to ‘Divyangjan’ or ‘Divyang’, Hindi terms translating to ‘one with a divine body’. The Indian Prime Minister has mandated that persons with disabilities will no longer be labelled as ‘disabled persons’ or ‘viklang’, meaning individuals with non-functional body parts.
ADIP Camp: A Joint Initiative with ALIMCO
The camp was facilitated by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a non-profit Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) established in 1972. ALIMCO operates under the Department of Empowerment of Person with Disability (DEPwD), offering substantial contributions towards the upliftment of the disabled populace.
Understanding the Assistance to Disabled Persons Scheme
The Assistance to Disabled Persons Scheme has been in operation since 1981. It abides by the definitions of different types of disabilities according to Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PWD) Act 1995. Notably, these definitions were later replaced by the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act promulgated in 2016.
Purpose and Financial Support Provided by the Scheme
The scheme aims to support needy disabled individuals in procuring durable, scientifically manufactured, modern standard aids and appliances to foster their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation. The goal is to minimize the effects of disabilities and bolster their economic potential. Grants-in-aid are issued to various implementing agencies including ALIMCO, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, State Handicapped Development Corporations, and NGOs for the purchase and distribution of assistive aids and devices. Aid appliances costing up to Rs. 10,000 are covered under this scheme.
Further Assistance Provided By the Scheme
Aid appliances costing more than Rs. 10,000 but under Rs. 12,000 are also included in the scheme for single disabilities. For individuals with multiple disabilities, the cost limit applies separately to each required aid or appliance. If the income is up to Rs. 15,000 per month, the full cost of the aid/appliance is provided, while 50% of it is covered if the income lies between Rs. 15,001 and Rs. 20,000 per month.
Other Government Initiatives for Disabled Persons
The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, Accessible India Campaign, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities, Unique Disability Identification Project and Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances are among the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government. Each of these programs and regulations focuses on improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Celebrated worldwide annually on December 3 as declared by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across all societal sectors. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness about their conditions within political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Mental Health Initiatives
Furthermore, national mental health initiatives such as the National Mental Health Programme launched in 1982 and KIRAN, a mental health rehabilitation helpline, have also been instituted to tackle mental health issues and promote a healthier mental state throughout the nation.
