BHADERWAH: A special camp for distribution of assistive devices was organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Doda here today in the Community Hall Bhaderwah.
The event, themed “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” was conducted under the guidance of District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Qazi and Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Babu Ram.
Dalip Singh Parihar, MLA Bhaderwah, graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside DDC member Thakur Yudhveer Singh, the Principal of Degree College Bhaderwah, the Manager SBI Bank and Tehsildar.
The initiative was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
In his address, MLA Dalip Singh Parihar applauded the Social Welfare Department for empowering persons with special persons through inclusive programs. He emphasized, “Disability is not inability,” highlighting the need for equal opportunities and accessibility for all.
Deputy Manager ALIMCO Dr. Tushar Mehta and Assistant Manager Kanika Mehta,, spoke about the transformative impact of assistive devices and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering accessibility and inclusivity.
The distribution camp, organized under SBI’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with ALIMCO, provided free aids and assistive devices to 43 identified beneficiaries from the Doda district. A total of 97 devices worth approximately ₹4.77 lakh were distributed. These included one joystick wheelchair, two motorized tricycles, four standard tricycles, four wheelchairs, two Sugamya canes, 38 hearing aids, and other essential aids like crutches, knee braces, Braille kits, rollators, walking sticks, artificial limbs, and silicon foam cushions.
The identification and registration of beneficiaries was completed in November 2024 by ALIMCO in collaboration with the District Administration and District Social Welfare Department. The initiative was a collaborative effort under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The event witnessed active participation from persons with disabilities, their families, government officials, and social organizations. It fostered a collective effort to raise awareness about accessibility while promoting inclusivity and sustainability.
