Context:
Recently, a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir was organised at 75 locations across India for distribution of aids and assistive devices to over 9000 pre-identified Divyangjan beneficiaries under the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) Scheme.
Relevance:
GS II: Government policies and Interventions
Samajik Adhikarita Shivir
The Samajik Adhikarita Shivir (Social Empowerment Camps) is an initiative launched to assist people with disabilities and senior citizens by distributing assistive devices. It has been operational since 1981, and is organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation) and local District Administrations.
Key aspects of the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir include:
- The scheme adheres to the definitions of various disabilities as outlined in the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Grants:
- The scheme provides grants-in-aid to several agencies, such as ALIMCO, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, and District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, for the procurement and distribution of assistive devices.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also collaborate under the ADIP Scheme for distribution.
- ADIP Scheme:
- This scheme is designed to offer modern aids and appliances to individuals with disabilities, aiding in their rehabilitation.
- The program also supports corrective surgeries prior to the provision of these devices.
- The scheme was last updated in April 2024 and is set to continue until March 2026.