Divyang Sahara Yojana (Budget 2026): Assistive Devices Support, What Is Announced So Far

Last updated: October 9, 2026. This page explains what was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. It is not an official government website, and no application is taken here. Scheme details can change, so confirm everything with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), ALIMCO or your district office.

Introduction: What Is Divyang Sahara Yojana?

Divyang Sahara Yojana (DSY) is a scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, presented on 1 February 2026. Its aim is to improve access to good-quality assistive devices for eligible Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens by supporting the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to make more devices, invest in research and use technology such as artificial intelligence.

Because it is a new announcement, many details are still unclear. This guide explains what has been announced, what has not been announced yet, and how to get an assistive device today through existing schemes.

Quick Answer

What was announced: support for ALIMCO to scale up production of assistive devices, research and AI integration, plus strengthening PM Divyasha Kendras and setting up retail-style Assistive Technology Marts.
Who is it for: eligible Divyangjan and senior citizens, according to government statements.
Budget amount: reported as ₹100 crore for Divyang Sahara Yojana in Budget 2026-27 coverage.
Application process: in the sources reviewed, no separate application portal or eligibility notification for DSY had been published. Do not pay anyone who claims to register you.
What to do now: use existing routes such as the ADIP scheme through ALIMCO, district centres and NGOs, and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana for eligible senior citizens.

What Has Been Announced So Far

Component	What was announced	Status
ALIMCO support	Support to scale up production of high-quality assistive devices, deepen research and development and integrate technologies including AI	Announced in the Budget; implementation details awaited
PM Divyasha Kendras	Existing centres to be strengthened; reports say around 100 will be upgraded into multi-service hubs	Announced; timeline not clear
Assistive Technology Marts	Retail-style centres where Divyangjan and senior citizens can see, try and buy assistive products	Announced; locations and timeline not yet published in sources reviewed
Funding	Reported as ₹100 crore in Budget coverage	Allocation figures should be checked in official Budget documents

What Has Not Been Announced Yet

Question	What we know
Who exactly is eligible?	The Budget statement says eligible Divyangjan and senior citizens. Detailed eligibility rules were not found in the sources reviewed.
How do I apply?	No separate DSY application process was found. Check DEPwD, ALIMCO and the Social Justice Ministry for notices.
Will devices be free?	Not stated. Existing schemes provide devices free or at subsidized cost to eligible people; DSY rules are awaited.
Which devices are covered?	Budget coverage mentions a wide range, including AI-linked and smart devices, but no official list was found.
Where will the new marts open?	Not announced in the sources reviewed.
When will it start?	No launch date was found.

We will keep this page as a guide only. When official guidelines are published, always follow the official notice.

Divyang Sahara Yojana vs Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana

Budget 2026-27 also announced a second scheme for Divyangjan. People often mix the two up.

	Divyang Sahara Yojana	Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana
Focus	Assistive devices and technology	Skills and employment
Main role	Supports ALIMCO, devices, research and retail-style marts	Skill training for sectors such as IT, AVGC, hospitality and food and beverages
Reported allocation	₹100 crore	₹200 crore
For whom	Divyangjan and senior citizens	Divyangjan

How to Get an Assistive Device Today (Existing Schemes)

While DSY details are awaited, several schemes already provide assistive devices. Rules, income limits and disability criteria can change, so always check the latest guidelines.

Scheme or route	Who it is for	What it offers
ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase and Fitting of Aids and Appliances)	Eligible persons with disabilities, subject to disability and income conditions	Aids and appliances through implementing agencies such as ALIMCO, NGOs and district centres
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana	Eligible senior citizens with age-related disabilities	Devices such as walking sticks, hearing aids and wheelchairs, as reported at ALIMCO camps
ALIMCO camps and centres	Eligible persons with disabilities and senior citizens	Assessment and distribution of devices
State government schemes	Varies by state	Some states offer devices, scholarships and pensions; check your state portal

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Under Existing Schemes

Get your disability certificate and UDID card. The Unique Disability ID is widely used to access benefits. Apply at the UDID portal.
Find your nearest centre. Ask your district social welfare office, a District Disability Rehabilitation Centre or look for ALIMCO camps in your area.
Collect your documents (see the list below).
Attend an assessment camp or visit the centre so a professional can decide which device suits you.
Submit your application to the implementing agency and keep a copy.
Receive and test the device, and ask about repair, replacement and follow-up.

Documents You May Need

Document	Why it is needed
Disability certificate or UDID card	Proof of disability and its percentage
Aadhaar card	Identity proof
Income certificate or proof	Used to check eligibility for free or subsidized devices where income limits apply
Passport-size photographs	For application forms
Age proof (for senior citizens)	For schemes meant for senior citizens
Bank account details	If any support is paid directly

Requirements vary by scheme and state. Ask the implementing agency for its current list.

Why DSY Matters

Access: quality assistive devices can be costly, and many people wait a long time for them.
Choice: retail-style marts are meant to let users see, try and customize devices before buying.
Technology: research into smart hearing devices, e-Braille readers and AI-linked mobility aids could widen options.
Senior citizens: the scheme also names senior citizens, who often need mobility and hearing aids.

Possible Challenges

Awareness: many eligible people do not know where to apply.
Delivery: new marts and upgraded centres must reach smaller towns and rural areas.
Funding and continuity: commentators have noted that results depend on how funds are used and on wider accessibility policies.
Repair and servicing: a device is useful only if it can be maintained.

Beware of Scams

No agent can guarantee you a device under DSY or take a fee to register you for it.
Do not share your Aadhaar number, OTP or bank details with callers.
Check any website ends in gov.in or nic.in before entering details.
Report suspicious offers to your district office or the cyber crime portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Divyang Sahara Yojana open for applications?

In the sources reviewed, no separate application process had been published. Check official notices from the Social Justice Ministry, DEPwD and ALIMCO.

Is it for senior citizens too?

Government statements describing the scheme refer to eligible Divyangjan and senior citizens.

Will the devices be free?

This has not been clarified. Existing schemes such as ADIP and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana can provide free or subsidized devices to eligible people.

What is ALIMCO?

ALIMCO is the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, a public sector body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that makes and distributes assistive devices.

Where can I get a UDID card?

Apply through the official UDID portal and keep your acknowledgment number safe.

Update Log

Date	Update
October 9, 2026	First version based on Budget 2026-27 announcements and official government statements