Swachh Bharat Diwas: Union Ministers Dr. Virendra Kumar and B.L. Verma to Distribute Assistive Devices to Senior Citizens

Reiterating the Central Government's commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar will distribute assistive devices to elderly citizens at a program organized at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. B.L. Verma, will also be present at the event.

According to a senior official of the ministry, a total of 662 assistive devices and aids, valued at over 10 lakh rupees, will be provided entirely free of cost to 114 elderly residents of senior citizen homes in New Delhi and NCR through the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). These devices were selected based on the individual needs of the beneficiaries during assessment camps held in September 2026. The devices to be distributed include folding wheelchairs, commode wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, BTE hearing aids, spinal supports, walkers, cervical collars, commode chairs, knee braces, LS belts, tripods/tetrapods, and silicon foam cushions.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment serves as the nodal department for the welfare of the elderly in the country and operates the 'Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana' (AVYAY). The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a key component of this initiative, implemented by the 'Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India' (ALIMCO). Launched on April 1, 2017, the scheme is fully funded by the Government of India. To date, more than 55 lakh assistive devices have been provided to over 10 lakh senior citizens across the country, approximately 45 percent of whom are women. Currently, 109 'Pradhan Mantri Divyang Vayoshri Kendras' (PMD-VKs) are operational nationwide.

Additionally, as part of the 'Swachhta Hi Seva 2026' campaign on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas, Dr. Virendra Kumar will lead a tree plantation drive themed 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. This event will be held at the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation in New Delhi. This government initiative aligns with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047', which aims to ensure inclusive growth and enable citizens to live with dignity and good health.