Sri Vijaya Puram, May 28: The Hon’ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI today inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) initiated by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, Public Sector undertaking by DEPwD, MSJ&E at CRC, Brookshabad and distributed assistive equipment to differently abled individuals. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) are Centers established to provide assistive devices and services to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens. These Centers aim to improve the outreach of the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (ADIP) and Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana (RVY) schemes by making aids and assistive devices readily available. The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, the Secretary Social Welfare, Shri L. Kumar, IAS, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, officials from ALIMCO and parents of Divyangjans were present on the occasion.
In his address, the Hon’ble Minister said, the launch of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra in A&N Islands will greatly support people with disabilities. The Minister emphasized that, under Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Government is committed to making Persons with Disabilities more capable and self-reliant. They no longer need to depend on others. “These assistive devices will ease their mobility and improve their quality of life”, the Minister said.
Recognizing the significance of respect and empowerment, the Prime Minister replaced the term “handicapped” with “Divyang”, the Minister said. The Government has introduced various initiatives for the educational, social, and economic development of disabled individuals, the Minister said. He further informed that, so far 70 Centers have been opened all over the Country and the inauguration of the new Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram is the 71st. He said, more than 300 Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendras will be opened for the benefit of the Divyangjan. He also thanked the officials of the ALIMCO for fulfilling the vision of the Prime Minister in uplifting the life of Divyangjans and providing assistive equipment to 31 lakh Divyanjans.
In his address, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, as guest of honour, thanked the Minister for inaugurating this Centre, which, he said, will be a great help for the Divyangjans of A&N Islands. He further urged for providing all other required facilities for the divyangjans visiting CRC Brookshabad.
Shri Tarun Kumar, Incharge, Regional Marketing Centre (RMC), ALIMCO, Kolkata, addressed the gathering and shared valuable insights into the achievements and milestones of the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra all over India.
A vibrant and touching cultural performance by children with disabilities from the CRC captivated the audience and highlighted the talents of Divyang children. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers deeply moved all dignitaries and attendees.
The highlight of the program was the distribution of assistive devices, including hearing aids for Hearing Impaired, mobility aids for Locomotor Disabled and Visually Impaired kit (Smart Phone & Accessories) for visually Impaired, in total 34 beneficiaries got benefitted. These aids were handed over personally by the Hon’ble Minister, marking a moment of dignity, support, and empowerment for each recipient.
Welcoming the gathering, Smt. Sumithamol S, Director, CRC A&N Islands, highlighted the commitment of CRC towards the upliftment and welfare of Divyangjans across the region.
Shri Rath, Nodal Officer, PMDK (All India) from ALIMCO, delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded on a high note with collective appreciation for the successful implementation of the PMDK unit. It marks a transformative milestone in the lives of Divyangjan in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and reaffirms the Government’s resolve toward an inclusive India.