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Gujarat CM Distributes Motorised Tricycles, Joystick Wheelchairs to Over 5,600

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel distributed motorised tricycles and joystick-operated wheelchairs to 5,676 persons with disabilities across the state. The initiative, worth Rs 36.7 crore, aims to enhance mobility and reduce physical strain for daily travel. The state has increased financial assistance for folding joystick wheelchairs and lowered the eligibility age for muscular dystrophy support from 18 to 10 years. Officials stated the new motorised devices will provide greater independence compared to previous hand-operated equipment.

Key Points: Gujarat CM Distributes Mobility Aids to 5,676 Persons with Disabilities

  • 5,676 beneficiaries across Gujarat
  • Devices worth ₹36.7 crore distributed
  • Includes 4,000 motorised tricycles
  • 1,676 joystick-operated wheelchairs
2 min read

Gujarat CM distributes motorised tricycles, joystick wheelchairs to 5,676 persons with disabilities

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel distributes motorised tricycles & joystick wheelchairs worth ₹36.7 crore to improve mobility and independence for persons with disabilities.

"The devices would reduce the physical effort previously required to operate hand-driven mobility equipment. - Bhupendra Patel"

Gandhinagar, March 13

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday distributed motorised tricycles and joystick wheelchairs worth Rs 36.7 crore to 5,676 persons with disabilities across the state, aiming to improve mobility and reduce physical strain involved in daily travel.

At a programme in Gandhinagar, the chief minister symbolically handed over the assistive devices to around 40 beneficiaries, while the remaining beneficiaries from 34 districts will receive them under the same initiative.

The distribution includes motorised tricycles for 4,000 persons with disabilities and joystick-operated wheelchairs for 1,676 beneficiaries.

The initiative has been implemented by the state's Social Justice and Empowerment Department as part of the assistive device support programme for persons with disabilities.

In the 2025-26 state budget, Rs 60 crore was allocated for the scheme.

Interacting with beneficiaries at the event, CM Patel said the provision of motorised tricycles and joystick wheelchairs would help persons with disabilities carry out daily activities with greater independence and move more easily from one place to another.

"The devices would reduce the physical effort previously required to operate hand-driven mobility equipment," he said.

Before the introduction of motorised tricycles and joystick-operated wheelchairs, beneficiaries under the 'Divyang Assistive Device Assistance' scheme were provided hand-operated tricycles and standard wheelchairs.

Officials said these required greater physical exertion and often posed difficulties for long-distance travel.

The chief minister also announced changes in financial assistance under the joystick wheelchair scheme.

To ensure ease of mobility for beneficiaries with locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and multiple disabilities, and to enable them to carry the wheelchair conveniently during travel, the assistance amount for folding joystick wheelchairs has been increased to Rs 1.10 lakh instead of simple joystick wheelchairs in the current year budget.

The state government has also reduced the eligibility age for receiving assistance for beneficiaries with muscular dystrophy type disability from 18 years to 10 years, allowing younger patients to access the support earlier.

Patel added that the Social Justice and Empowerment Department has been instructed to adopt a saturation approach to ensure that no eligible person with disability in the state remains deprived of assistive devices provided by the government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step forward! My cousin in Ahmedabad received a hand-operated tricycle years ago. The physical strain was real. Motorised versions will be a huge relief. Hope other states take note and implement similar schemes. The focus on folding wheelchairs for travel is a very practical detail.
R
Rohit P
While distributing devices is good, the real test is in the implementation and after-sales service. Who will repair these motorised tricycles in remote villages? The government must also ensure a robust maintenance network. The 'saturation approach' sounds promising, but execution is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with disability advocacy groups, this is a significant upgrade from basic wheelchairs. Reducing the eligibility age to 10 years is crucial—early mobility support can dramatically improve a child's development and social inclusion. Kudos for that change.
V
Vikram M
Rs 36.7 crore for 5,676 people is a substantial investment. It's heartening to see tax money being used for such direct and impactful welfare. Hope the distribution is transparent and reaches the genuine beneficiaries without any middlemen or corruption.
N
Nikhil C
This is good, but we need to think about accessibility beyond devices. Are our footpaths, public buildings, and transport systems wheelchair-friendly? Providing a joystick wheelchair is half the battle. The other half is creating an environment where it can be used freely.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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