Agartala, March 1 – Northeast India’s first production centre of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is set to be established in Tripura. Chief Minister Manik Saha announced this on Saturday after laying the foundation stone of the proposed centre at Purba Laxmibill in Sepahijala District.
### Enhancing Accessibility and Service Delivery
The Chief Minister stated that the ALIMCO, under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is set to open its first Auxiliary Production Centre at Purba Laxmibill. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and service delivery for Divyangjan (otherwise abled) individuals. Saha emphasized that this new facility would mark the beginning of a new era in assistive device manufacturing and service delivery in the northeastern region, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
### Investment and Impact
An official highlighted that the ALIMCO Auxiliary Production Centre would come at an investment of ₹45 crore. This landmark step is expected to significantly improve accessibility and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and Senior Citizens in the northeast region. The centre will serve as a dedicated production and distribution facility, efficiently catering to the region’s needs and generating employment opportunities for the local population.
### Empowering Divyangjan
Addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, his ministry has been empowering Divyangjan. Verma noted that 19 lakh physical assistance equipment have been distributed to 15 lakh Divyangjan and four lakh senior citizens in the last 10 years. He added that 92,000 physical assistance equipment worth ₹13.5 crore were distributed during the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
### A Landmark Initiative
The proposed auxiliary production centre in Tripura would be the eighth of its kind in the country and the first in the entire northeast region. Verma emphasized the importance of striving to make Divyangjan and senior citizens self-reliant, enabling them to become part of the mainstream and contribute to an all-inclusive country.
### Uplifting Economic Status
Chief Minister Saha also highlighted the growth of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the state. In 2017, there were 4,000 SHGs, which has now increased to 56,000, with 4.5 lakh women associated with them. He further stated that the government is taking appropriate steps to uplift the economic status of women and make them self-reliant.
This new facility in Tripura is set to revolutionize assistive device manufacturing and service delivery in the northeastern region, providing much-needed support to Divyangjan and senior citizens.
