Tag Rajesh Aggarwal

New Delhi, November 5th, 2024: On International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, the Delhi Chapter of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India (OPAI) hosted a 1-Day Conclave at Hindi Bhawan to emphasize the transformative role of prosthetics and orthotics in empowering people with disabilities. The event advocated for stronger policy-level recognition of prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) expertise in government decision-making, including in the Paralympic selection process.

Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, highlighted the importance of reliable data for understanding disabilities in India, noting that over 95% of registered cases involve 40% or more disability, as per UDID data. “The government is making district-wise data on 21 types of disabilities available for public use, helping drive informed solutions,” he shared. Mr. Aggarwal also outlined efforts to streamline assistive technology distribution, aiming to reduce prosthetic fitment time from 45 days to just 7 days, and to ensure that services are accessible within 100 km for all individuals. He further added, “With India expressing formal interest to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2036, there is an even greater need to enhance our support systems for para-athletes and bring advanced prosthetic and orthotic care to the forefront.”

Shri Agendra Kumar, Secretary of OPAI Delhi Chapter and Organizing Secretary for IPOD 2024, underscored the need for policy inclusion, stating, “Our professionals play a crucial role in the lives of those they serve. Policy support is essential to our mission of making rehabilitation and mobility accessible to all. There is an urgent need for the insurance sector to include prosthetic and orthotic services, and P&O professionals must be involved at all levels of para-sports.”

Shri Rajesh Das, President of OPAI Delhi, added, “Our work in prosthetics and orthotics restores dignity and independence. With strong government policies and affordable ‘Make in India’ solutions, we can ensure everyone has access to essential care. Together, we are transforming lives.”

Shambhu Kumar Yadav, Vice President of OPAI Delhi, echoed the sentiment: “Prosthetic and orthotic professionals are essential to India’s healthcare framework. Their work empowers individuals and brings dignity through mobility.”

Treasurer Shri Tapas Behera noted, “IPOD 2024 shines a light on the critical role P&O professionals play. By integrating these services into government schemes, we can expand our reach and impact.”

Dr. M C Das National President of OPAI, remarked, “IPOD 2024 is a milestone event in our journey to integrate prosthetic and orthotic care into government schemes, ensuring no one is left behind. This platform amplifies our commitment to accessible, high-quality care and reinforces the vital role P&O professionals play in both healthcare and para-sports.”

The event underscored OPAI’s commitment to advancing inclusion, collaboration, and innovation in rehabilitation services, ensuring every individual can live a life of dignity and independence.

New Delhi, 10th July 2024: Addressing issues and challenges to strengthen the ecosystem for Person with Disabilities at the ASSOCHAM’s 6th Conference on Empowering Persons with Disabilities through Accessible & Assistive Technology, Chief Guest Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal IAS, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice, and Empowerment, GoI stressed on calling it diversity rather than disability with the nature of humanity. He talked about 3 prevalent issues that are accessible infrastructure, employment opportunities and education to people with disabilities.

He motivated the audience to not help PWD with charity purposes but include them with designated job profiles and not quota. For enhancing education, he gave examples of use of devices such as braille displays, speech-to-text software, and adapted learning tools to facilitate learning. Providing necessary workplace accommodations such as ergonomic chairs, specialized keyboards, and software solutions to support productivity, he added.

Focused on the theme ‘Innovation and Sustainable Solutions for Equal Opportunities,’ he shared this event aims to empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and foster a more inclusive ecosystem. This conference aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, aspiring to position India as a Global AT Hub. Driven by competitive manufacturing costs, supporting government policies like Make in India , India can position itself as a key player in the global market.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR Council said “According to the WHO, 16% of the world’s population, which is over a billion people have some form of disability, and 80% of these live in the developing countries, with mobility being a critical factor in the lives of PwDs- in this context, l appeal to the automobile manufacturers in India to bring in the latest technologies in vehicles for disabled people that are being used in different parts of the world- this could have a transformational impact in the lives of persons with disabilities in India. I also urge the media to not only focus on the challenges faced by the PwDs, but also showcase their success stories, this will inspire many more to excel, as well as bring forth their unique abilities before the larger audience”.

Mr. Amit Singh, Partner, EY stressed on collaboration among government and private sector to create sustainable solutions for civil society and reducing barriers to participation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of emerging technologies by augmenting assistive devices’ capabilities, personalizing experiences, and boosting accessibility. The country has a significant portion of its population that have disabilities that require immediate attention and solutions.

Dr. Sara Varughese, Managing Trustee, CBM India shared that disability in India is a pressing issue that calls for concerted effort to build socially inclusive and universally accessible infrastructure. Social stigma and discrimination are the issues that are still faced in India leading to economic vulnerability.

Mr. Dipendra Manocha, President, DAISY Forum of India highlighted the government policies that can encourage the mass production of assistive devices through subsidies, tax incentives and grants for research and development. Such interventions can reduce production costs, increase supply and foster innovation ensuring the availability to a larger population at lower prices.

The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Co-Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR & Empowerment Councils and Director of External Affairs & Partnerships, South Asia, Reckitt. He stated that resources should be made more accessible to people in rural India as well, and he discussed how corporations can support an inclusive structure for the disabled workforce.