Union Minister Inaugurates Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra in A&N Islands; Assistive Gadgets Distributed to 34 Beneficiaries

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 May 2025

In a major step towards empowering individuals with disabilities (Divyangjan), the Hon’ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) on the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Brookshabad, on twenty eighth May 2025. The Centre, initiated by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)—a public sector enterprise beneath the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment—is geared toward offering assistive units and companies to Divyangjan and senior residents.

The newly inaugurated PMDK will improve the outreach of flagship schemes such because the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) and Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana (RVY), making aids and assistive units extra accessible within the islands.

The Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Secretary (Social Welfare) Mr. L. Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, senior officers from ALIMCO, dad and mom of Divyangjan, and different dignitaries have been current on the inauguration.

In his handle, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted the Government’s dedication to constructing an inclusive and empowered society beneath the management of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “With the launch of the PMDK in A&N Islands, persons with disabilities will no longer need to depend on others. These assistive devices will significantly ease mobility and improve quality of life,” he stated.

He additionally recalled the Government’s initiative of changing the time period “handicapped” with “Divyang” to emphasise dignity and respect. “So far, 70 PMDK centres have been established across India, and this inauguration marks the 71st. Over 300 such centres are planned nationwide to benefit Divyangjan,” the Minister knowledgeable. He additionally lauded ALIMCO for distributing assistive units to over 31 lakh beneficiaries.

Speaking because the visitor of honour, MP Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed his gratitude to the Minister and emphasised the significance of continued help and infrastructure for Divyangjan within the Islands. He urged authorities to supply all obligatory services on the CRC, Brookshabad, to make the centre totally purposeful and inclusive.

Mr. Tarun Kumar, In-charge, Regional Marketing Centre (RMC), ALIMCO Kolkata, supplied an summary of PMDK’s achievements throughout the nation.

The occasion additionally featured a heartfelt cultural efficiency by youngsters with disabilities from CRC, showcasing their abilities and profitable the admiration of the viewers.

The spotlight of this system was the distribution of assistive units to 34 beneficiaries. These included listening to aids for the listening to impaired, mobility aids for these with locomotor disabilities, and smartphone-based kits for visually impaired people. The Hon’ble Minister personally handed over the units, symbolizing a second of dignity and empowerment for the recipients.

Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sumithamol S, Director of CRC A&N Islands, reiterated the Centre’s dedication to the welfare and rehabilitation of Divyangjan within the area. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Rath, Nodal Officer, PMDK (All India), ALIMCO.

The inauguration of the PMDK marks a transformative milestone for the Divyang group within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reflecting the Government’s imaginative and prescient of a very inclusive India. (Story Based on PR)