Rs 13 lakh assistive devices distributed to senior citizens

The Delhi Government on Saturday distributed assistive devices worth nearly Rs 13 lakh to around 160 senior citizens at an event held at Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Qutubgarh, under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana. The camp was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Veerangana Jhalkari Bai Koli Ji.

Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, who led the distribution drive, said more assistive devices have been provided in the past eight months than the previous government delivered over a five-year period. He said the effort aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyoday, ensuring the last person in society receives support.

The minister paid tribute to Jhalkari Bai Koli Ji and said the Delhi Government is taking steps to honour brave women and historical figures previously overlooked, including adding their names to the government’s official list of honoured personalities for the first time.

Indraj urged residents to inform authorities if any elderly person in their home or neighbourhood needs assistive support. He added Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all departments to ensure senior citizens receive the full benefits of government schemes.

Highlighting the government’s focus on comfort and safety for the elderly, the minister cited new air-conditioners installed in recreation centres at old-age homes, upgraded facilities at Savitribai Phule Old Age Home in Paschim Vihar and devices distributed earlier during Seva Pakhwada. He also mentioned celebrating Diwali with residents of the Bindapur Old Age Home.

Calling it the department’s moral responsibility, Indraj said regular assessment camps would be held to identify and support senior citizens and persons with disabilities and monitoring is underway to ensure devices reach every eligible household.

Devices distributed at the camp included wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, spinal support belts, cervical collars, spectacles, silicone foam pillows, wheel-bearing commodes and knee braces.