New Delhi (NVI): Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, first ever distribution of assistive aids and devices to divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities) through virtual platform under ADIP Scheme was organised in Firozpur district of Punjab today.
“Special measures have been taken by Government of India so that the benefit of welfare scheme for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) continue uninterrupted,” the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said in a statement.
A virtual ADIP Camp for free distribution of assistive aids and devices at Block level for Divyangjans under the ADIP ( Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purschase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances) scheme of Government of India was organized at Talwandi Bhai Block of Firozpur District in Punjab today, it said.
This is the first camp being organized by the ALIMCO under DEPwD, M/o Social Justice and Empowerment under the ADIP Scheme of the Government of India after opening of lockdown with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as per the GOI directives, the ministry said.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot took part as the Chief Guest through online video streaming.
On the occasion, Gehlot said that the ministry under the able guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully committed to the welfare of Divyangjan in the country through various measures and schemes.
In view the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has decided that now Virtual ADIP Camps will be organized nationwide for distribution of aids and assistive devices to divyangjan, Gehlot said.
He also said that several schemes have been initiated by his ministry to provide financial assistance and scholarships to Divyangjan students to pursue their education to become self-reliant and dwelt upon many important schemes and programs of his ministry to facilitate and help Divyangjan.
Gehlot called upon the persons with disabilities and their family members to get enrolled for Unique ID Cards for Divyangjan which are valid all over India. 31 lakh Unique ID Cards have been delivered to Divyangjan so far in the country, he added.
Satnam Kaur, MLA, Firozpur in her address thanked the Ministry in arranging the Virtual camp for Divyangjan in her Constituency during the pandemic.
She suggested that the eligibility of Divyangjan for Motorized Tricycle should be relaxed further to facilitate more such people.
Total 95 beneficiaries of Block Talwandi were provided with 166 different categories of assistive appliances valuing over Rs.12 Lakh. 11 Motorized Tricycle were also distributed among the beneficiaries in the camp. However, in all, 962 beneficiaries of Firozpur District are being provided with 1667 assistive appliances valuing over Rs.1 Crore 50 Lakh. Distribution is being done in 6 Blocks of Firozpur starting from 15th to 20th June, 2020, the Ministry said.
