NITI Aayog to Organize Workshop to Enhance Assistive Technology in India

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Workshop to enhance assistive technology.
- Collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra.
- Focus on ecosystem development for assistive devices.
- Discussions on improving access and manufacturing.
- Participation from various stakeholders.
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) NITI Aayog announced on Tuesday its plans to host a workshop aimed at enhancing assistive technology in India.
This one-day event, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, is themed "Developing Ecosystem for Assistive Technology in India" and is scheduled for Wednesday in Pune.
Assistive technology encompasses various devices, software, and equipment specifically designed to assist individuals with disabilities in maintaining, enhancing, or improving their functional abilities.
The need for assistive devices and products in India is increasingly urgent, given the growing population of individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, and those suffering from chronic health conditions. Such devices significantly improve their quality of life and contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society, stated NITI Aayog.
India has made substantial progress in technology and boasts a vibrant start-up ecosystem, presenting an exceptional opportunity for the nation to become a manufacturing hub for assistive technology, catering to both local needs and international markets.
Approximately 200 delegates are expected to attend the workshop, which will serve as a platform for various stakeholders, including senior officials from both the Central and State Governments, international organizations, research bodies, and startups in the assistive technology sector. They will discuss the current landscape and future prospects of assistive technology in India.
The workshop aims to offer recommendations for creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters the development of assistive technology across the country.
Topics of discussion will include enhancing access to assistive technology in India, state initiatives, manufacturing capabilities, and global collaborations.
The insights and recommendations generated during this workshop are anticipated to aid in formulating a comprehensive framework for developing an ecosystem for assistive technology in India, aligning with the commitment to 'leave no one behind' and promote an inclusive society, NITI Aayog indicated.