NOWSHERA, Sep 16: A distribution camp for providing free aids and assistive devices to identified Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities) was organized at Manjakote in Rajouri district under Project “Samarth”, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of J&K Bank.
The camp was organized by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Mohali Unit, under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in association with the District Administration and Social Welfare Department, Rajouri.
Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, MLA Thannamandi, was the chief guest and distributed the aids and assistive devices among the beneficiaries. A total of 90 Divyangjans from Block Manjakote were provided 137 aids and assistive devices belonging to different categories, with a total estimated value of Rs 7.51 lakh.
The beneficiaries had been identified through an assessment and registration camp conducted by ALIMCO in April 2025 in coordination with the Social Welfare Department, Rajouri. The devices distributed included four motorized tricycles, one tricycle, 31 wheelchairs, two CP chairs, 38 walking sticks, one walker, eight crutches, 28 hearing aids, 10 Sugamya Canes, seven TLM kits and seven artificial limbs/calipers.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan appreciated the collaborative efforts of J&K Bank, ALIMCO, the District Administration and the Social Welfare Department in extending assistive support to persons with disabilities at the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of ensuring timely access to suitable assistive devices to promote mobility, independence and participation in social and community life.
Among those present were Zahid Ati, Branch Head, J&K Bank, Manjakote; Abdul Raheem, District Social Welfare Officer, Rajouri; Nidhi Sharma, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, Rajouri; Kanika Mehta, JM Marketing, ALIMCO; and Muzamil Bhatt, P&O, ALIMCO, besides officials of the District Administration, J&K Bank, ALIMCO and the Social Welfare Department.
The camp highlighted the efforts of the participating institutions towards promoting inclusion, dignity and empowerment of Divyangjans through access to appropriate aids and assistive devices.