**Executive Summary**
The Union Budget 2026-27, released on February 1, 2026, reinforces the Indian government's commitment to inclusive growth by focusing on the empowerment of Divyangjan and senior citizens through technology. The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under the guidance of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), is central to this agenda. The Budget seeks to expand access to assistive technologies and services nationwide.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **ALIMCO Support:**
* The budget proposes support for ALIMCO through the Divyang Sahara Yojana to scale up production of high-quality assistive devices.
* Focus will be on deepening research and development, integrating advanced technologies like AI into product design and services.
* **Divyang Sahara Yojana:**
* The Yojana will encompass a wide array of assistive products, including mobility aids, low-vision and low-hearing devices, e-Braille readers, smart hearing instruments and cognitive-assistive solutions.
* The budget aims to reduce import dependence, spur domestic manufacturing, and create new opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs in the assistive technology sector.
* **Assistive Technology Infrastructure:**
* The Budget proposes to strengthen existing Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras (PMDVKs).
* Support is provided for setting up and modernizing Assistive Technology Marts as retail centers.
* ALIMCO currently operates 100 PMDVKs nationwide, which enable beneficiaries to try and obtain appropriate devices.
* **Empowerment Initiatives:**
* The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana reflect the government's holistic approach to empowering Divyangjan.
* **ALIMCO Modernization:**
* ALIMCO has embarked on modernization, digital transformation, and service quality enhancement, accelerated by the Budget 2026-27.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: ALIMCO**
* **Impact:** Increased responsibilities and resources to scale up production, research, and development of assistive devices.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the budget allocations to modernize infrastructure, enhance service quality, and expand the range of assistive technologies offered.
**Stakeholder: Divyangjan and Senior Citizens**
* **Impact:** Enhanced access to affordable, high-quality assistive technologies and services, leading to improved independence and quality of life.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the resources made available through the Divyang Sahara Yojana and Assistive Technology Marts to access appropriate assistive devices.
**Stakeholder: Indian Startups and MSMEs**
* **Impact:** New opportunities to participate in the domestic manufacturing of assistive technologies.
* **Action Required:** Explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration with ALIMCO to contribute to the assistive technology sector.
Key Entities Referenced
Budget 2026-27: Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, which includes provisions for Divyangjan and senior citizen empowerment.
Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO): Public sector undertaking responsible for expanding access to assistive technologies and services.
Divyang Sahara Yojana: Scheme to support ALIMCO in scaling up production of high-quality assistive devices.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE): Union ministry responsible for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): Department under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
ALIMCO at the Forefront of Divyangjan and
Senior Citizen Empowerment in Budget 2026-27
प्रव तथ: 01 FEB 2026 8:18PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Budget 2026–27 reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and a
Viksit Bharat by placing Divyangjan and senior citizens at the centre of a technology-enabled
empowerment agenda. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Artificial Limbs
Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has been entrusted with a pivotal role in expanding access
to high-quality assistive technologies and services across the country.
ALIMCO in Budget 2026–27
The Budget, through the newly announced Divyang Sahara Yojana, proposes to support ALIMCO to scale
up production of high-quality assistive devices, deepen research and development and integrate advanced
technologies, including artificial intelligence, into product design and services. This focus aligns with the
broader vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas” and seeks to ensure that Divyangjan and senior citizens
receive timely, reliable and affordable access to modern assistive solutions.
Under Divyang Sahara Yojana, the portfolio of assistive products will encompass mobility aids, low-
vision and low-hearing devices, e-Braille readers, smart hearing instruments and cognitive-assistive
solutions, among others, tailored to diverse functional needs. By positioning ALIMCO as a national hub
for innovation and quality in assistive technology, the Budget aims to reduce import dependence, spur
domestic manufacturing and create new opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs in this critical social
sector.
The Budget also proposes to strengthen existing Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras (PMDVKs)
and support the setting up and modernisation of Assistive Technology Marts as retail-style centres for
Divyangjan and senior citizens. At present ALIMCO operates 100 nos. of PMDVKs across the country.
These accessible centres will enable beneficiaries to see, try and obtain appropriate devices with dignity,
informed choice and professional counselling, thereby bridging the last-mile gap between cutting-edge
technology and users.
The twin initiatives of Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana, announced in the Union
Budget, reflect the Government’s holistic approach to empowering Divyangjan through both dignified
livelihoods and high-quality assistive devices.
Under the able guidance of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social
Justice, Govt. of India, ALIMCO has already embarked on a path of modernisation, digital transformation
and service quality enhancement, and the provisions of Budget 2026–27 will accelerate these efforts. The
strengthened partnership between Government, ALIMCO and civil society embodies the national resolve
to build an inclusive, accessible and empowered India where Divyangjan and senior citizens are
recognised as equal stakeholders in the journey towards Viksit Bharat.****
KV/HK
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