With the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the maximum utilisation of technology under the Make in India campaign, the Ministry of Social Justice is mulling to provide advanced wheelchairs to the differently-abled.
Taking cognizance of challenges being faced by people with disabilities, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), an arm of the Social Justice Ministry, will manufacture advanced wheelchairs that can be also used as tri-cycle as well as for dining purpose.
“The new generation wheelchairs will be foldable and can also be turned into a tri-cycle. The advanced wheelchair will be useful for rough terrains, cerebral palsy chairs and adjustable,” said DR Sarin, chairman-cum-managing director of ALIMCO.
He added, “We have signed an MoU with the parent company, Motivation UK, which has agreed to share its technology with us. The wheelchairs will be manufactured by ALIMCO. The final decision regarding the terms and conditions for sharing the technology will be decided after its technical evaluation by the department.” “Each wheelchair will cost Rs 7,000 to the ministry, which at present is spending Rs 5,000-8,000 for simple wheelchairs. Also, the production of technologically-advanced wheelchairs will improve the independence and mobility of PwDs from all sections of society. It will help in fulfilling the dream of ‘Make in India’,” the official said.