Examining the Truth: Has the number of camps for Persons with Disabilities seen a dramatic rise?
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The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) or Divyangs, a department under the Indian government, has been implementing the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme) since 1981. This scheme aims to assist PwDs in procuring aids and appliances for physical, social, psychological rehabilitation, and economic potential.
One of the key ways the scheme is executed is through organized camps. However, data on the number of camps held before 2013-14 is not readily available. It is known, though, that many more camps were conducted by other implementing agencies before 2014.
The number of camps conducted during the 2013-14 fiscal year was significantly lower than the average number of camps conducted during the tenure of the current government. Specifically, it was 40% less. The number of camps in 2013-14 by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), one of the implementing agencies, was 461.
From 2014-15 onwards, the number of camps increased, but it has been decreasing since 2016-17. As per the latest annual report of DEPwD, the total number of camps conducted under the ADIP scheme since 2014-15 is more than 6000.
The implementing agencies, which include NGOs, Red Cross, government institutions, and local bodies, organize dedicated camps for the distribution of aids and appliances to PwDs. Before each camp, they are required to inform the District Collector, BDO, a local public representative, State Government, and the Department of Disability Affairs at least one week in advance.
After the camps, the agencies provide a list of beneficiaries and details of aids and assistive devices with the cost to the State Government and the Department of Disability Affairs.
It's important to note that ALIMCO, a non-profit company owned by the Government of India and functioning under the Administrative Control of DEPwD, is one of the key implementing agencies.
The series of articles on the 4-years of the Modi government is made possible with the flash grant of the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN). This article is part of that series, providing insights into the ADIP Scheme and its impact on persons with disabilities in India.
