Divyang Sahara Yojana to Boost Assistive Tech Access and Inclusion

Experts highlighted that nearly 90 percent of persons with disabilities worldwide lack access to assistive technologies, creating barriers to mobility, employment and social participation.

The Government of India is advancing a major push for technology-driven disability inclusion through the proposed Divyang Sahara Yojana, aimed at strengthening India’s assistive technology ecosystem and expanding access to advanced devices for persons with disabilities.

The initiative was a key focus of the Post-Budget Webinar on Divyang Sahara Yojana held on March 9 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, where policymakers, industry experts and innovators discussed strategies to improve accessibility, manufacturing and distribution of assistive technologies across the country.

PM Highlights Youth Aspirations and Participatory Governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the growing participation in Post-Budget Webinars as a powerful example of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation), said the aspirations of India’s youth across villages, towns and cities represent the nation’s greatest strength.

He observed that the past decade has witnessed a major shift in the national mindset, with young Indians increasingly eager to innovate, build solutions and contribute to nation-building.

As India transitions toward an innovation-driven economy, the Prime Minister stressed the need to continuously modernise the education system and incorporate ideas emerging from these consultations.

According to the Prime Minister, lakhs of stakeholders, experts and beneficiaries are participating in the webinars, sharing practical suggestions that can accelerate the effective implementation of the Union Budget.

From Welfare to Partnership in Nation-Building

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has adopted a transformative approach to disability inclusion, moving beyond welfare to partnership in national development.

Guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,” the government is expanding opportunities, accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities.

He said the proposed Divyang Sahara Yojana aims to strengthen the manufacturing, innovation and distribution ecosystem for assistive technologies, ensuring timely access to high-quality devices while positioning India as a global hub for affordable assistive technology.

Four-Pillar Framework for Expanding Assistive Technologies

The breakout session, moderated by Shri Praveen Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), focused on building a collaborative ecosystem involving government agencies, startups, academia and investors.

Experts proposed a four-pillar framework to expand access to assistive technologies:

• Aspiration — Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in assistive technologies

• Availability — Expanding manufacturing and distribution networks

• Affordability — Reducing costs through local production and policy support

• Awareness — Increasing outreach so beneficiaries know about available solutions

Participants also noted that innovation is increasingly emerging from Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities, reflecting a broader transformation in India’s technology ecosystem.

Addressing the Global Assistive Technology Gap

Experts highlighted that nearly 90 percent of persons with disabilities worldwide lack access to assistive technologies, creating barriers to mobility, employment and social participation.

Affordable innovations in assistive devices could significantly expand economic participation and independence for persons with disabilities, the participants said.

Key suggestions included:

• Leveraging CSR and philanthropic funding to scale assistive technology programs

• Strengthening tax incentives and policy support for assistive technology manufacturers

• Developing better data systems to track demand and device distribution

• Allowing beneficiaries to choose devices suited to their individual needs with professional guidance

Participants also stressed that the distribution of assistive devices must be complemented by accessible infrastructure, including ramps, tactile signage and barrier-free public spaces.

Advanced Assistive Devices Under the New Programme

The Divyang Sahara Yojana builds upon the legacy of the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme, while introducing modern technologies to enhance independence and employability.

Proposed assistive technologies include:

• Motorised wheelchairs

• E-scooters for mobility support

• Myoelectric prosthetic hands

• Advanced orthotic systems

These devices are expected to significantly improve mobility, autonomy and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Expanding Assistive Technology Service Hubs

Divyang Sahara Yojana, Assistive Technology, Disability Inclusion, Social Justice Ministry, ALIMCO, PMDVK, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Inclusive Development, Union Budget 2026, Accessible India

 

 

 

These hubs will provide:

• Professional assessment of assistive technology needs

• Customisation and fabrication of devices

• Maintenance and repair services

• Technical guidance for beneficiaries

The initiative also proposes Assistive Technology Marts, where beneficiaries can see, test and select devices suited to their specific needs.

Strengthening Research and Manufacturing Ecosystem

To promote domestic innovation, the programme will also strengthen research and development through ALIMCO, including the establishment of a dedicated R&D centre at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam.

This facility is expected to support advanced research, technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing of assistive devices.

Collaboration Key to Inclusive Innovation

Summarising the discussions, Dr. V. K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasised that collaboration across government, industry and research institutions will be essential for advancing the assistive technology ecosystem.

He highlighted several key priorities:

• Expanding technology transfer partnerships

• Strengthening research and development capacity

• Integrating artificial intelligence and digital technologies into assistive solutions

• Expanding the network of PMDVKs across the country

Toward an Inclusive and Accessible India

The Divyang Sahara Yojana reflects a broader policy vision aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, aiming to build a society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, independence and equal opportunity.

By expanding access to modern assistive technologies and strengthening industry-linked skill development, the initiative seeks to ensure that Divyangjan can participate more fully in India’s economic growth and social progress.