DIMAPUR: District Administration and District Social Welfare Office, Kohima, in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), organised a distribution programme for assistive devices for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens under the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) at the DPDB Conference Hall, Kohima on August 17.
A total of 671 beneficiaries received assistance under the two schemes-27 under ADIP and 644 under RVY. The total value of devices distributed was approximately Rs. 62.24 lakh, comprising Rs. 2.35 lakh under ADIP and Rs. 59.89 lakh under RVY.
The distribution included 390 wheelchairs, 500 walking sticks, 14 crutches, two rollators, 120 walkers, 541 LS belts, 13 spinal supports, 646 knee braces, 265 silicon foam cushions, 100 hearing aids, 76 cervical collars, one Sugamya cane, eight TLM kits, two tetrapods/tripods, one ADL kit, one cellphone for a leprosy patient and 457 chairs with commodes, among other appliances.
Select devices were handed over to token beneficiaries on stage by advisor for School Education, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome. Systematic distribution is being carried out at Chiephobozou, Jakhama and the District Social Welfare Office, Kohima.
In his address, Dr. Yhome called for greater social inclusion of persons with disabilities and senior citizens, effective utilisation of government funds and stronger convergence among departments to ensure welfare schemes reach the grassroots. He emphasised community participation, citing examples of youth groups supporting vulnerable members, and urged timely compliance with government guidelines to avoid loss of funds.
Dr. Yhome also highlighted the importance of census data in identifying beneficiaries, called for mechanisms to deliver government services to villages, and suggested involving banks such as State Bank of India (SBI) to extend financial services to rural areas.
The beneficiaries for the Kohima camp were assessed from July 1 to 6, 2026, prior to the distribution programme.
