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Picture Courtesy: INDIAEDUCATIONDIARY

Context:

The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to inaugurate the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.

What is Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK)?

It is a special center that provides access to high-quality and affordable assistive devices to people with disabilities (or "Divyangjan") and senior citizens.

By June 2025, these centers have provided assistive devices to over 1.4 lakh individuals.

Disabilities and Senior Citizens in India

Disabilities => As per Census 2011, there are 26.8 million persons with disabilities, representing 2.21% of the total population. This includes 14.9 million males and 11.8 million females.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) recognizes 21 types of disabilities, including low vision, intellectual disability, and mental illness, among others.

Senior Citizens => According to the Census 2011, there are nearly 104 million senior citizens in India; 53 million females and 51 million males.

A report released by the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India suggests that the number is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026.

What kinds of services and devices do PMDKs provide?

Assessment and Counseling => Evaluate the person's needs and suggest solutions.
Distribution of Assistive Devices => Free or at a subsidized cost depends on eligibility;

Disability: Holds a 40% and above Disability Certificate (Benchmark disability).
Income: Monthly income from all sources not exceeding Rs. 30,000/- per month.

Aftercare and Support => Provide follow-up care and support after a person receives a device.
Skill Development => Some centers run training programs to help people with disabilities learn new skills, help them find jobs or start their own businesses.

Who is in charge of running the PMDKs?

The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) runs these centers. It is a government company that works under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

ALIMCO is responsible for manufacturing and distributing assistive devices. It is a "Mini-Ratna" Category II Central Public Sector Enterprise.

Other government programs linked to PMDKs

PMDKs assist people under the ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons) and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for senior citizens. It also supports the Accessible India Campaign, to make public places and services easy for everyone to use.

FAQ

Q1: What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) initiative?

A: PMDK aims to provide integrated services, including assessment, counselling, and distribution of free assistive aids, to Divyangjan and senior citizens under one roof.

Q2: Which specific government schemes are directed through the PMDKs to provide assistive devices?

A: PMDKs deliver assistive aids and appliances primarily through the ADIP Scheme for Divyangjan and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for eligible senior citizens.

Q3: How many Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendras are currently operational across India?

A: 75 PMDKs are now operational across India, benefiting over 1.40 lakh individuals with assistive devices.

Must Read Articles:

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RIGHT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 2016 (RPWD ACT)

Source: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. "Accessible India and Inclusive India are two sides of the same coin”. Critically analyze. 150 words