Union Budget 2026–27 Puts Divyangjan, Senior Citizens at the Heart of Tech-Driven Empowerment

New Delhi: Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Union Budget 2026–27 places Divyangjan and senior citizens at the centre of a technology-enabled empowerment strategy. The Budget outlines a strengthened role for the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in expanding access to modern, affordable and high-quality assistive technologies across the country.

Presented in Parliament, the Budget underscores the Government of India’s focus on dignity, accessibility and innovation in social welfare, under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

A key highlight of Budget 2026–27 is the announcement of the Divyang Sahara Yojana, under which ALIMCO will be supported to scale up production of assistive devices, deepen research and development, and integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, into product design and service delivery. The initiative aligns with the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, ensuring timely and reliable access to assistive solutions for Divyangjan and senior citizens.

Under the new scheme, ALIMCO’s product portfolio will include a wide range of assistive devices such as mobility aids, low-vision and low-hearing solutions, e-Braille readers, smart hearing instruments and cognitive-assistive technologies. By positioning ALIMCO as a national hub for innovation and quality in assistive technology, the Budget aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic manufacturing and create opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs in the social sector.

The Budget also proposes to strengthen the existing Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendras (PMDVKs) and support the establishment and modernisation of Assistive Technology Marts. Currently, ALIMCO operates 100 PMDVKs across the country. These centres function as accessible, retail-style facilities where beneficiaries can see, try and obtain suitable devices with professional counselling, helping bridge the last-mile gap between technology and users.

In addition, the Union Budget announces the twin initiatives of Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana, reflecting a holistic approach to empowerment by combining dignified livelihood opportunities with access to high-quality assistive devices.

Under the guidance of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ALIMCO has already initiated steps towards modernisation, digital transformation and service quality enhancement. The provisions announced in Budget 2026–27 are expected to accelerate these efforts further.

Together, these measures signal a strengthened partnership between the Government, ALIMCO and civil society, reinforcing India’s resolve to build an inclusive, accessible and empowered nation—where Divyangjan and senior citizens are recognised as equal stakeholders in the journey towards Viksit Bharat.