Organised in Collaboration with Govt of Maharashtra

NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, organised a workshop on the theme "Developing Ecosystem for Assistive Technology in India" at YASHADA, Pune.

The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Govt of Maharashtra. Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Smt. Sujata Saunik, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra, Dr. Rajib Kumar Sen, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, Shri Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu, Director General, YASHADA, and Shri K.S. Rejimon, Joint Secretary, NITI Aayog, were also present among other dignitaries.

In his inaugural address, Hon'ble Minister highlighted the importance of domestic capabilty of AT industry and its role in promoting inclusivity.

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, in his special address, emphasised the need for developing an eco-system for Assistive Technology which is critical for social inclusion in achieving the vision@2047.

The day long workshop included three sessions deliberating the challenges, gaps, best practices, initiatives and role of Central Government, State Govt., International organisation, Industry/ Start-ups etc.

The first session focused on "Improving Access to Assistive Technology in India". The session provided a comprehensive view of how key government initiatives, policies, and inter-sectoral collaborations which are playing a transformative role in making assistive technologies more accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs), the elderly, and other marginalised communities. 

In the second session on "State Initiatives in Assistive Technology", The representatives from state Governments of Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, highlighted how targeted policies, partnerships, and on-the-ground efforts are improving the reach and impact of AT.

The third session of the Assistive Technology workshop focused on "AT Manufacturing and Global Collaborations" brought forth significance of fostering a strong domestic manufacturing base for AT and the immense value of global partnerships. Representatives of WHO, UNDP, ATSCale (UNOPS), World Bank, AssisTech Foundation and Tynor, highlighted the key role of global collaborations in advancing AT in India, as India aspires to become a global hub for AT innovation and manufacturing.

In the Concluding session Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment addressed the participants and underscored the importance of building an inclusive society.

The deliberations and suggestions emerged during the workshop will pave the way for developing an eco-system for Assistive Technology in India to achieve Viksit Bharat vision @2047 of building an inclusive society.

Access to Assistive Technology expanded via coordinated policy, domestic manufacturing and global partnerships to promote social inclusion. The workshop advanced an operational ecosystem for Assistive Technology by promoting expanded access through coordinated central and state initiatives, targeted public programmes, and partnerships with industry and start ups, while prioritising domestic capacity building for AT manufacturing and international collaboration to support technology transfer, standards alignment and market development for greater social inclusion.