A distribution drive spanning seven phases in Bhavnagar and Botad districts wrapped up, distributing 4,858 assistive devices valued at Rs 3.88 crore to 2,636 individuals with disabilities. The final camp, overseen by Union Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya, took place in Talaja. The initiative, held at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Talaja, was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Central government’s Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) scheme.
Addressing the recipients, Bambhaniya mentioned that 19 types of assistive devices were provided during the drive, benefiting 2,636 individuals with devices worth nearly Rs 3.88 crore. These devices are expected to enhance their quality of life. She highlighted the use of the term ‘Divyangjan’ by the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to show respect to persons with disabilities, enabling them to work and live with dignity.
Bambhaniya noted that around 18,000 similar camps have been conducted nationwide in the last 11 years, bringing positive changes to the lives of beneficiaries. She also emphasized the allocation of specific budgetary resources for persons with disabilities and the provision of training and self-employment opportunities under the Divyang Skill Scheme. Moreover, she mentioned an increase in reservation for persons with disabilities in government jobs from 3% to 4%.
In Botad, 478 devices were distributed to 261 beneficiaries, costing Rs 39.74 lakh, while in Sihor, 362 devices were provided to 198 beneficiaries at a cost of Rs 28.48 lakh. Palitana saw the distribution of 737 devices to 366 beneficiaries at a cost of Rs 62.89 lakh, and in Bhavnagar city, 1,769 devices were allocated to 1,017 beneficiaries at a cost of Rs 1.24 crore. Additionally, Gadhada received 629 devices, Umrala 177 devices, and Talaja 706 devices, benefiting various beneficiaries.
In Talaja and Mahuva talukas, 389 pre-identified beneficiaries received 706 assistive devices, amounting to Rs 64.41 lakh. The distributed devices included motorised tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, hearing aids, and artificial limbs. Notable figures like Talaja MLA Gautam Chauhan, Mahuva MLA Shiva Gohil, and Bhavnagar Collector Dr. Manish Kumar Bansal were present during the distribution.
