Assistive devices worth Rs 15.15 lakh were distributed free to 184 persons with disabilities and senior citizens in Tripura’s Padmabil Block. The welfare initiative aims to improve mobility, independence, and social inclusion across 17 ADC villages under Khowai District.
Khowai District’s Padmabil Block witnessed a major social welfare milestone on Tuesday with the distribution of assistive devices worth over Rs 15.15 lakh to 184 beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens from 17 ADC villages. The initiative marks a significant step towards empowering vulnerable communities and enhancing accessibility for residents facing mobility and functional challenges.
The distribution program was carried out under a joint initiative by L-M-Co Company and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to inclusive development. The event, held at the Padmabil Block premises, drew the participation of several key officials, including Block Officer Amit Kumar Jamatia, Block Advisory Committee Chairman Prashanta Debbarma, senior representatives from L-M-Co, and other administrative personnel.
Major Push for Inclusive Growth
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted that the initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure social justice and provide essential support to individuals requiring physical assistance. The distribution included an array of mobility and support devices such as wheelchairs, battery-operated rickshaws, crutches, walking sticks, hearing support equipment, and other crucial assistive tools.
All distributed items were provided entirely free of cost, ensuring that socio-economically disadvantaged families could access essential mobility aids without financial strain. Officials noted that the devices were carefully selected based on assessments of individual beneficiary needs conducted earlier by field workers and partnering organizations.
Block Officer Amit Kumar Jamatia, addressing the gathering, stated that accessibility and assistive support must reach the last mile of rural and tribal populations. “Empowering persons with disabilities is a key indicator of a progressive society. By ensuring that mobility aids are directly delivered to the communities who need them the most, we are enabling them to participate fully in economic and social activities,” he said.
Community Engagement and Positive Response
The event witnessed overwhelming participation from residents of the 17 ADC villages under Padmabil Block. Families expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting that such direct support programs bring tangible changes to the lives of people dealing with disabilities or age-related mobility issues.
For many beneficiaries, the mobility devices signify not only improved physical independence but also an increased chance to participate in livelihood activities and access essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. Senior citizens who received battery-operated rickshaws and wheelchairs shared that these devices will significantly reduce their dependency on family members and improve their daily movement.
Local residents, community leaders, and beneficiary families collectively praised the government and partnering organization for bringing such impactful welfare programs to the grassroots level. Several community members noted that similar initiatives, if organized regularly, could substantially uplift individuals who remain socially or economically marginalised due to physical limitations.
Strengthening Welfare Delivery in Rural Tripura
Chairman of the Block Advisory Committee, Prashanta Debbarma, commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and L-M-Co Company. He emphasized that welfare programs must continue to expand and cover more villages in remote pockets of Tripura. “Such initiatives help bridge development gaps and provide equal opportunities for all. Accessibility should never be a privilege—it must be a right,” he remarked.
The distribution drive in Padmabil Block also reflects the broader national focus on disability inclusion under various government schemes. Officials stated that upcoming phases of the initiative may include additional support such as physiotherapy camps, skill-training programs for persons with disabilities, and awareness drives on social entitlements.
A Step Toward Greater Inclusion
With 184 individuals receiving essential assistive devices, the program stands as a strong example of coordinated welfare delivery in rural Tripura. Beneficiaries and community members hope that similar initiatives will continue in the future to ensure a more inclusive, independent, and dignified life for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
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As the Padmabil Block community celebrated this important step forward, the event underscored a powerful message—that inclusive development is not merely a goal but a collective responsibility carried out through sustained support, planning, and compassion.
