Sri Vijaya Puram, June 10: A major outreach programme aimed at improving access to assistive devices for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens will begin in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands later this month, with assessment camps scheduled across six locations from June 22 to June 28.
The initiative is being jointly undertaken by the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), West Bengal State Office.
According to a press release issued by the Composite Regional Centre, the camps are intended to identify and assess eligible beneficiaries under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).
The first camp will be held on June 22 at the CRC campus in Brookshabad. Subsequent camps have been scheduled at Ferrargunj, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur to ensure wider access for residents across the islands.
Officials said the assessment process will help determine the type of assistive devices required by each beneficiary. Based on the recommendations of specialists, eligible individuals may receive mobility, hearing and supportive aids free of cost under the respective schemes.
The range of devices likely to be provided includes wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, pre-fabricated lumbosacral belts, knee braces, cervical collars and other assistive appliances designed to improve mobility, communication and daily functioning.
The ADIP Scheme is intended to support persons with disabilities by facilitating access to modern aids and appliances that can enhance independence and quality of life. To qualify, applicants must possess a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card indicating at least 40 per cent disability. They must also furnish an income certificate showing a monthly income below ₹22,500 along with an Aadhaar card.
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, elderly citizens above the age of 60 years with a monthly income below ₹15,000 are eligible to receive support. Beneficiaries are required to produce an Aadhaar card and income certificate during the assessment process.
Officials noted that access to assistive devices can significantly improve the lives of individuals facing mobility, hearing or age-related challenges. Such devices not only enhance physical independence but also improve participation in social, educational and economic activities.
The programme is expected to benefit residents living in remote and rural parts of the islands, many of whom may have limited access to specialised rehabilitation services. By conducting camps across multiple locations, organisers aim to make the assessment process more accessible and inclusive.
The camp schedule includes CRC Brookshabad on June 22, PHC Ferrargunj on June 23, PHC Baratang on June 25, CHC Rangat on June 26, District Hospital Mayabunder on June 27 and CHC Diglipur on June 28. All camps will operate between 9 am and 2 pm.
The Composite Regional Centre has appealed to caregivers, community leaders, local organisations and panchayat representatives to spread awareness about the initiative so that eligible individuals are not left out.
Authorities have urged beneficiaries to attend the nearest assessment camp with all required documents to complete registration and avail the benefits under the schemes.
