Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised inclusive innovation and public participation while highlighting the proposed Divyang Sahara Yojana during a post-Budget webinar, describing the growing engagement in such consultations as an example of Jan Bhagidari in policymaking.
Addressing the webinar, PM Modi said the aspirations of India’s youth from villages, towns and cities represent the country’s greatest strength and its most valuable capital for the future. He noted that over the past decade there has been a shift in the national mindset, with young Indians increasingly eager to innovate and contribute to nation-building.
As India moves towards an innovation-driven economy, the Prime Minister stressed the need to continuously modernise the education system and draw upon ideas emerging from stakeholder consultations. He said lakhs of experts, industry representatives and beneficiaries have been sharing suggestions to support effective implementation of the Union Budget.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma said the government is adopting a broader approach to disability inclusion by moving beyond welfare towards partnership in development. Guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas, he said the government is expanding accessibility, opportunities and participation for persons with disabilities.
According to Verma, the proposed Divyang Sahara Yojana aims to strengthen the manufacturing, innovation and distribution ecosystem for assistive technologies, ensuring timely access to quality devices while positioning India as a potential global hub for affordable assistive technology.
The breakout session of the webinar was moderated by Praveen Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). Experts highlighted a four-pillar framework — aspiration, availability, affordability and awareness — to expand the reach of assistive technologies through collaboration among government, startups, academia and investors.
Participants noted that innovation is increasingly emerging from Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities and emphasised that the distribution of assistive devices must be complemented by accessible infrastructure such as ramps, signage and barrier-free public spaces. They also pointed out that nearly 90 per cent of persons with disabilities globally lack access to assistive technologies.
Suggestions included leveraging CSR and philanthropic support, strengthening tax incentives and improving data systems, while enabling beneficiaries to choose assistive devices suited to their individual needs with professional guidance.
The post-Budget webinar on Divyang Sahara Yojana, held on March 9, focused on expanding access to advanced assistive technologies and strengthening an industry-linked skill development framework for persons with disabilities.
The initiative proposes modern assistive devices such as motorised wheelchairs, e-scooters, myoelectric hands and advanced orthotic systems to improve mobility and independence. It also envisages expanding Pradhan Mantri Divyasha-Vayoshri Kendras as assistive technology service hubs providing assessment, customisation, fabrication and maintenance services.
The programme also seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and research through ALIMCO, including the establishment of a research and development centre at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam.
Summarising the discussions, V. K. Paul, member of NITI Aayog, highlighted collaboration in technology transfer, research and development, AI integration and the expansion of PMDVKs as key pillars for advancing the proposed scheme.
He said the initiative aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and aims to strengthen efforts towards building a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
