The 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, 2026.
A total of 671 beneficiaries received assistance under the two schemes. Of these, 27 beneficiaries were covered under ADIP, while 644 beneficiaries were covered under RVY. The total value of the assistive devices distributed was approximately ₹62.24 lakh, comprising ₹2.35 lakh under ADIP and ₹59.89 lakh under RVY in Kohima.
The devices distributed 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 assistive appliances.
During the programme, select assistive devices were handed over to a few token beneficiaries on stage by Advisor for School Education, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome. Counter-wise, systematic distribution of assistive devices is being carried out at Chiephobozou, Jakhama, and the District Social Welfare Office, Kohima.
In his address, Advisor, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, has called for greater social inclusion of persons with disabilities and senior citizens, effective utilisation of government funds and greater convergence among departments to ensure welfare schemes reach people at the grassroots.
Dr Yhome said many persons with disabilities, particularly children, remain confined to their homes due to mobility challenges and other circumstances. He emphasised the need for communities to identify such persons, extend support and make them feel accepted as an integral part of society. Sharing an example from his village, he said youth groups had been encouraged to keep track of vulnerable members of the community and provide care and support. He said such community participation and social awareness were important to ensure that no citizen was left behind.
He urged officers and Heads of Departments to ensure timely compliance with government requirements and to communicate with the concerned authorities wherever necessary, observing that failure to comply with guidelines could result in the State losing access to available funds.
He highlighted the importance of data generated through the ongoing Census operations in identifying beneficiaries and planning effective interventions. He said even small government interventions could make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable citizens.
He said Kohima, being relatively well placed in terms of access to information and government institutions, should take the lead in developing a model for taking government programmes to the doorsteps of people in villages. He called for a collective effort to design mechanisms through which government services and schemes could be effectively delivered at the grassroots.
Dr Yhome also highlighted the role of banks in extending financial services to rural areas. He suggested that the State Bank of India (SBI) could be invited to explain its banking services and rural outreach initiatives, particularly in villages where banking facilities are limited.
He also called for stronger convergence among departments and agencies involved in rural development, stating that government programmes would have greater impact when implemented in an integrated manner rather than in isolation.
The ADIP Scheme aims to provide durable and scientifically manufactured assistive devices to persons with disabilities to improve their mobility, independence and overall rehabilitation. The scheme covers persons with locomotor, visual and hearing disabilities who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.
The beneficiaries for the Kohima camp were assessed from July 1 to 6, 2026, prior to the distribution programme.
(DPRO Kohima)
