TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Physically handicapped and visually and hearing impaired persons received kits and appliances on Tuesday – thanks to an initiative of the district administration with the support of Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC).
Around 620 differently abled persons will receive free kits which are estimated to cost the ONGC and ALIMCO around Rs 40 lakh.
District Collector N D Agrawal told the media that the assessment of the handicapped was carried out in the month of October this year, wherein ALIMCO officials identified around 620 beneficiaries for the free kits and appliances. “The cost of the aids and appliances is borne by the ONGC under its corporate social responsibility”, he said.
Replying to a question, Agrawal said that artificial limbs will be distributed to the beneficiaries in the month of February, while kits for the mentally retarded, besides wheel chairs, walkers, tricycles and hearing aides will be distributed to the beneficiaries today and tomorrow.
Deputy Collector, Ajit Panchwadkar said the special kits for the disabled will help the differently abled to fight their disability and stand on their own feet. “This exercise is an initiative of the District Collector. But we are not going to stop here as we have future plans.”
