Modi gives over 15,000 equipment to differently-abled

Varanasi, Jan 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday set a record of sorts by distributing 15,746 special aid equipment to 9,296 differently-abled people here. Union Social Welfare Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that this was the biggest camp to be held for such a purpose anywhere in the world.

He added that so far his department, in the last 18 months, had distributed more than 3.5 lakh such aids through 1,836 camps. Equipment that have been distributed cost Rs.218 crore in all, including those distributed earlier in Nasik and Nagpur. On Friday, equipment worth Rs.7.07 crore were distributed.

These include 3,458 tri-cycles, 1,800 crutches, 686 wheelchairs, 1,400 digital hearing kits, 446 kits for low IQ children, 589 artificial limbs and 300 walkers, Avnish Awasthi, joint secretary, union ministry of social justice and empowerment, department of disability affairs, told IANS.

More than 45 people who were injured in a bus accident when they were headed for the event would be given their equipment at their homes, the official added.

In his speech at the function, Modi also wished those injured in the accident a speedy recovery. (IANS)