Lok Sabha Question No. 567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-06
Subject: Assistive Technologies for PwDs
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Sanjeev Kumar Singari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.567

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2024

## ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR PWDS

## 567. DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that India lacks a thriving market for inclusive solutions and assistive technologies that support and empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs);
- (b) if so, the measures that the Government has taken in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government has any plans of investing in innovative technology development for PwDs as part of its Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) scheme that aims to help disabled persons by bringing suitable, durable, scientificallymanufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

## (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

- (a) The Government relies on Census 2011 data for disability related data. As per this Census, total  number of persons with disability (PwDs) in the country is 2.68 core. Aids and assistive devices  including inclusive solutions and  assistive  technologies  are essential for overall rehabilitation  and  empowerment  of  PwDs  and  therefore  there  is  thriving  market  for  inclusive solutions and assistive technologies in India.
- (b)    Government  of  India introduced  Startup India  initiative  in the  year  2016  to  boost  startup culture and create an environment of entrepreneurship in India. Today, India is the 3rd largest startup hub in the world with more than 31,945 startups. To support and promote entrepreneurship   and  industrial  development,  the   Department  for  Promotion  of  Industry  and Internal  Trade  (DPIIT)  under  the  Ministry  of  commerce  and  Industry  has  started  facilitating investment  in  new  and  upcoming  technologies,  accelerating  foreign  direct  investment,  and supporting  a  balanced  development  of  industries  and  trade.   Gradually  many  startups  are  also looking for better health and social care solutions, including assistive  technology , especially to address the need of older people, people with disabilities, people living with health conditions and others in need, both in India and beyond.
- (c)  and  (d)  The  Department  is  implementing  the  Scheme  of  'Assistance  to  Persons  with Disabilities  for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP)' under which funds are released to

various Implementing Agencies to assist the eligible  persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in procuring  durable,  sophisticated  and  scientifically  manufactured,  modern,  standard  aids  and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the  effects  of  disabilities  and  enhancing  their  economic  potential.  During  last  four  years  and current year till 31.12.2023, a total fund of Rs.1070.93 crore has been released  giving benefits to 13,19,561 Divyangjan.

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a CPSE under the administrative  control  of  this  Department,  is  a  major  implementing  agency  of  ADIP  Scheme. The modernization project, with a financial layout of Rs. 338.04 crores, reflects a commitment to align ALIMCO's production infrastructure with cutting-edge technological advancements. Apart from  this,  following  initiatives  have  been  taken  by  the  Corporation  for  the  development  of assistive Technology :-

(i)   ALIMCO,  National  Institute  of  Locomotor  Disabilities  (NILD),  Kolkata,  Pt.  Deendayal Upadhyaya  National Institute of Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) have entered in an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for design, development and standardization of microprocessor controlled Prosthetic Knee Joints & Prosthetic multiaxial foot piece for persons with lower limb amputation.

(ii)  Development  of  Kadam  Knee  Joint  by  ALIMCO,  Indian  Institute  of  Technology  (IIT), Madras and Society for Bio- Medical Technology (SBMT). Banglore.

(iii) ALIMCO is in collaboration with Central Institute for Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad for design and development of new die for production and product aesthetic.

(iv) The Project for the development of indigenous Cochlear Implant System 'Sravan' had been initiated by Defence Research and Development Organisation of India.

(v) ALIMCO has in-house developed Assistive Technology Products like Sugamya Cane (Smart Cane) and Sports Wheelchair for Divyangjan.

(vi) ALIMCO has installed 3D printing technology that help Divyangjan by bringing suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach.

(vii)  ALIMCO has signed Transfer of Technology (TOT) with leading multinational company named  OTTOBOCK  for  production  and  fitment  of  international  quality  of  Below  knee  and Above knee Prosthetic devices for Persons with Lower limb amputation. ALIMCO has started regular manufacturing of these products in State of Art manufacturing facility at its Kanpur unit since more than 5 years.

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