ALIMCO at the Forefront of Divyangjan and Senior Citizen Empowerment in Budget 2026-27

The Union Budget 2026-27 reaffirms the Government of India's commitment to inclusive growth and a Viksit Bharat by placing Divyangjan and senior citizens at the centre of a technology-enabled empowerment agenda. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has been entrusted with a pivotal role in expanding access to high-quality assistive technologies and services across the country.

ALIMCO in Budget 2026-27

The Budget, through the newly announced Divyang Sahara Yojana, proposes to support ALIMCO to scale up production of high-quality assistive devices, deepen research and development and integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, into product design and services. This focus aligns with the broader vision of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas" and seeks to ensure that Divyangjan and senior citizens receive timely, reliable and affordable access to modern assistive solutions.

Under Divyang Sahara Yojana, the portfolio of assistive products will encompass mobility aids, low-vision and low-hearing devices, e-Braille readers, smart hearing instruments and cognitive-assistive solutions, among others, tailored to diverse functional needs. By positioning ALIMCO as a national hub for innovation and quality in assistive technology, the Budget aims to reduce import dependence, spur domestic manufacturing and create new opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs in this critical social sector.

The Budget also proposes to strengthen existing Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras (PMDVKs) and support the setting up and modernisation of Assistive Technology Marts as retail-style centres for Divyangjan and senior citizens. At present ALIMCO operates 100 nos. of PMDVKs across the country. These accessible centres will enable beneficiaries to see, try and obtain appropriate devices with dignity, informed choice and professional counselling, thereby bridging the last-mile gap between cutting-edge technology and users.

The twin initiatives of Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana, announced in the Union Budget, reflect the Government's holistic approach to empowering Divyangjan through both dignified livelihoods and high-quality assistive devices.

Under the able guidance of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice, Govt. of India, ALIMCO has already embarked on a path of modernisation, digital transformation and service quality enhancement, and the provisions of Budget 2026-27 will accelerate these efforts. The strengthened partnership between Government, ALIMCO and civil society embodies the national resolve to build an inclusive, accessible and empowered India where Divyangjan and senior citizens are recognised as equal stakeholders in the journey towards Viksit Bharat.

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KV/HK