Minister P Bashangmongba Chang handing out the appliances to one of the beneficiary (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | November 18
A total of 5128 assistive devices were distributed among 1140 beneficiaries in Tuensang district on Tuesday under a central government scheme.
The camp was organised by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, Tuensang and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.
The aids and appliances were distributed under the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons for purchase/fitting of Aids & Appliances) and RVY (Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojna) schemes at an event held at the Town Hall, Tuensang.
The event was attended by district officials, church leaders, civil society members and beneficiary groups.
According to the official camp statistics displayed at the venue, the ADIP component covered 209 beneficiaries (Male 127 & Female 82) with 344 appliances distributed valued at Rs 17,38,324. The RVY component reached 931 beneficiaries (Male 524 & Female 407) with 4,078 appliances distributed valued at Rs 76,80,729. The combined value reported is Rs 94.19 lakh.
The distribution followed assessments carried out between 16 June and 24 June 2025 and included a broad slate of mobility, orthopaedic and vision and hearing aids.
‘Progress meaningful only when inclusive’
The chief guest, P Bashangmongba Chang, Minister for PWD, Housing and Mechanical Engineering, Government of Nagaland, delivered the key address. Drawing on the theme of dignity and inclusion, the Minister said, “It is our duty, as a government and a society, to support you, stand by you, and ensure that you live with comfort, dignity, and the opportunity to participate fully in social life.” He emphasised the State government’s commitment to strengthening welfare programmes, improving accessibility and expanding support systems for vulnerable groups, calling the day’s distribution “one small but significant step in that direction.”
The Minister urged that development must be inclusive. “Let this programme serve as a reminder that progress is meaningful only when it is inclusive. Development is complete only when it touches the lives of those who need it the most.”
He concluded by thanking the organisers, ALIMCO and health and social welfare staff, and asked district functionaries to continue working for a compassionate, supportive and inclusive Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by Thsapongcham Sangtam, Welfare Inspector, Tuensang and invocation was led by Pushia, Pastor, Khiamniungan Baptist Church, Tuensang. The keynote address was delivered by T Longlang Luckpan, DWO, Tuensang while short speeches were delivered by Sanjeev Kumar Hajoary, Junior Manager, Regional Marketing Centre (RMC) Guwahati, ALIMCO, and N Y Choba Chang, President, CKS.
Sanjeev Kumar Hajoary, Regional Official of ALIMCO, elaborated on the technical processes involved in providing aids, stressing that proper measurement and fitting are crucial for long-term utility.
The distribution drive held in November marks the completion of a process that began with assessments in June 2025, involving screening, measurement, manufacturing, procurement, and logistics for thousands of assistive devices.
Beneficiaries at the event expressed gratitude upon receiving wheelchairs, spinal supports, knee braces, and hearing aids. Several elderly recipients noted that the devices would significantly enhance their mobility and independence, while others highlighted the value of smaller items like walking sticks and cushions in easing daily challenges.
It was informed that teams from the regional marketing centre assisted beneficiaries with fitting and training during the distribution.
Officials from ALIMCO and the District Welfare Department stated that mobile follow-up teams will be deployed to provide necessary adjustments and minor repairs. Beneficiaries in need of more complex rehabilitation have been advised about referrals to medical facilities and further services.
ALIMCO is a Government of India enterprise, established on November 30, 1972. It functions under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Headquartered in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, ALIMCO operates six auxiliary production centres in Bangalore, Ujjain, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad, Jabalpur, and Mohali. It also maintains a network of eight regional marketing centres, including in Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad.
ALIMCO serves as the nodal agency for implementing two key government schemes: Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids (ADIP) Scheme; and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for senior citizens.
Through these schemes, the corporation provides free aids and appliances to eligible beneficiaries across all states and Union Territories. This distribution is further supported by a national network of 81 Pradhan Mantri Divyashya Kendra (PMDK) outlets.
In the North East region, 10 PMDKs are fully operational in Agartala, Aizawl, Shillong, Naharlagun, Gangtok, Dimapur, Guwahati, Imphal, Sivasagar, and Dhubri.
