The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through its Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, organised nationwide camps on 17 September 2026 to distribute assistive devices to people with disabilities and senior citizens. Working with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), the camps reached over 58,000 beneficiaries across 76 locations in 21 States. The devices, valued at approximately ₹68 crore, were given free to those who needed them.
What was distributed and where
The Samajik Adhikarita Camps took place simultaneously at 76 centres across the country. In the main camp at Lav-Kush Ramlila Maidan at Red Fort in New Delhi, 463 people received 2,450 devices worth ₹34.96 lakh. These included motorised tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, hearing aids, rollators, knee braces and other mobility aids. All beneficiaries underwent prior assessment to ensure they received equipment suited to their individual needs.
The camps were organised in collaboration with District Administrations at each location. Pre-assessment and testing camps were held beforehand to identify what each person required.
Broader support structure
The government highlighted that these camps are part of a larger ecosystem for empowerment. Currently, 109 Pradhan Mantri Divyasha-Vayoshri Kendras operate across India, bringing assistive device services closer to beneficiaries. Additionally, 28 Single Window Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres have been established, and rehabilitation services operate through National Institutes and Composite Rehabilitation Centres.
What this means for you
If you are a person with disability or a senior citizen, these camps offer free assistive devices selected based on your specific needs. The government is expanding centres and services across States, bringing support closer to your locality. Through ALIMCO’s digital improvements, the process of accessing these devices is becoming simpler and more transparent. The devices aim to help you move about more easily, live independently and participate more actively in your community and work.