THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
KALINGANAGAR, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
SABAL, a flagship initiative of Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), has launched
a large-scale assistive devices distribution drive for Divyangs and senior
citizens in Danagadi Block, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive community
development. The programme, which commenced on Tuesday at Trijanga, will
continue until February 20, 2026, and is set to benefit a total of 322 eligible
individuals.
The beneficiaries comprise 275 senior citizens aged 60 years and above
and 47 Divyangs, who will receive assistive devices valued at ₹42,42,664
under the Government of India’s
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP)
schemes. The initiative is being implemented under the SABAL–PMDK (Pradhan
Mantri Divyasha Kendra) programme in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs
Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), functioning under the Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Prior to the distribution, a comprehensive assessment camp was conducted
across Danagadi Block with the active support of the Block Social Security
Officer and local Sarpanchs to ensure accurate identification of beneficiaries
and seamless last-mile delivery of services. This systematic approach enabled
the provision of customised assistive aids tailored to individual needs.
On the inaugural day, the distribution event was held at the Panchayat
Bhawan in Trijanga in the presence of Kagazi Patra, Sarpanch of Trijanga, and
Hemanjali Patti, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), along with senior officials
of Tata Steel Foundation. During the programme, 100 beneficiaries were provided
assistive devices, including 21 battery-operated motorised tricycles and three
wheelchairs, marking a significant step towards enhancing mobility and dignity
for the recipients.
The ADIP scheme focuses on improving the functional capabilities of
Divyangs by providing high-quality aids and appliances that promote mobility,
self-reliance, and social inclusion. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
supports senior citizens belonging to the BPL category who suffer from
age-related disabilities by supplying free assisted-living devices that enhance
independence in their daily lives.
A major highlight of the drive is the distribution of 23 battery-operated
motorised tricycles to eligible Divyang beneficiaries from Danagadi,
Harichandpur, and Sukinda blocks, substantially improving their ability to move
independently and participate in socio-economic activities. In addition to
motorised tricycles and wheelchairs, the beneficiaries will receive crutches,
walking sticks, silicone cushions, and other customised assistive solutions
based on individual medical assessments.
Operating across Danagadi and Sukinda blocks of Jajpur district, the
SABAL initiative follows a block saturation model that ensures comprehensive
identification, certification, and linkage of Divyangs with relevant government
welfare schemes, thereby strengthening accessibility, inclusion, and quality of
life at the grassroots level.
