Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota, Rajasthan, and distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities. The initiative is aimed at promoting mobility, self-reliance, and dignity among beneficiaries.
About Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK)
Implementing Agency:
- Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Purpose: To provide high-quality, affordable assistive devices to:
- Senior citizens
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
Current Status:
- 45 centres operational across India
- Target: 100 centres by June 2025
Features of PMDK
Target Beneficiaries:
- Visually impaired
- Physically challenged
- Senior citizens
Services Offered:
- Assistive aids: Prosthetics, orthotics, mobility devices
- Braille appliances for the visually impaired
- Advanced rehabilitation technologies
Skill Development Initiatives:
- Vocational training programmes for employment and entrepreneurship
- Enhances economic independence and social empowerment
Empowerment Schemes for Persons with Disabilities
1. PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana)
- Focuses on skill development and rehabilitation for marginalised groups including PwDs.
- Offers short-term training, entrepreneurship development, and upskilling.
2. DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
- Financial support to NGOs for providing education, vocational training, and rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.
3. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP)
- Offers subsidised assistive devices to PwDs to promote mobility and independence.
- Implemented through ALIMCO and NGOs.
4. National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
- Provides scholarships for M.Phil and Ph.D. courses to students with disabilities.
- Promotes higher education and research participation.
5. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card
- Aims to digitally centralize data and issue a unique ID card for PwDs.
- Helps access government schemes and track beneficiary details efficiently.
About ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India)
- Type: Schedule ‘C’ Miniratna Category II CPSE
- Ownership: 100% Government of India
- Registered Under: Section 8 of Companies Act, 2013 (Not-for-profit)
- Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Mandate and Mission:
- Manufacture and distribute rehabilitation aids and assistive devices
- Serve all types of disabilities under one roof
- Operates not-for-profit, with a focus on quality and affordability
- Supports implementation of the ADIP Scheme by expanding outreach via PMDKs