Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Kerala is working to foster a society that treats persons with disabilities with dignity, respect and care. As part of this effort, the state is expected to launch a comprehensive programme titled ‘No Barriers’ this month, described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. He also said the government would soon announce a comprehensive disability policy and welfare programmes that draw on systems used in developed nations.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a four-day free artificial limb distribution camp at Freemasons Hall, Vazhuthacaud. The camp is jointly organised by DP World, the Rotary Club of Trivandrum Central and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), also known as Jaipur Foot.
“The government wishes to affirm that persons with disabilities and senior citizens are not alone and can count on our support. Kerala is the first state in the country to establish a dedicated department for senior citizens. By providing advanced artificial limbs free of charge—devices that are generally beyond the means of many people—we are helping around 400 individuals return to active lives,” the Chief Minister said.
At the event, the Chief Minister presented an artificial leg to Anugraha L.V. Nair, a sixth-grade student at Kushavarakkal Government UPS School, who lost her leg in a road accident in June 2026. He also recognised senior members who had completed 40 years of service with the Rotary Club.
The camp is being held from November 12 to 15. It is providing free artificial limbs, calipers and other assistive devices to 400 people with mobility challenges from across Kerala and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The devices are custom-made and fitted using Jaipur Foot technology after an individual assessment of each participant’s needs.
