The government is planning to rope in e-retailers to sell assistive products to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by linking its web-portal, consisting of directory of such products, with online retailers. The PWDs can then buy it online.
It would also open the window of convenience shopping for the differently-abled people since they can compare the specifications of products by different manufacturers.
"We would be soon linking our recently launched web-portal comprising the directory of aids and assistive devices for PwDs with online retailers. Differently-abled persons can compare the products from different manufacturers and place orders," Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment told PTI.
An initiative of the Department of Disability Affairs, the portal has a collection of products required for people suffering from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, hearing, speech and visual impairments and multiple disabilities.
Presently, differently-abled people are left with limited options to buy devices such as camps organised by the ministry in different parts of the country or by visiting the institutes run by the ministry, where such products are available.
"For instance, if a visually impaired person wants to buy a low vision device from National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, he has to travel all the way to Dehradun. But, once the e-commerce facility is being activated with the website, it will be just a click of a button," they said.
Official sources further said that Aadhar card would be made mandatory for availing the products through the web portal, in a bid to ensure that the devices that are sold reach the right persons.
You’ve hit your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app