EDII Reports 106 (May - July 2019)

Abstract

Discrimination and denial of rights is disconcerting for any economy or section of people. A sizeable portion of Indian society is facing this depravity and is struggling to live a stigma free life. These are the people who suffer from different forms of disabilities and yearn to be a part of the mainstream. Although India has one of the most progressive disability policy frameworks among developing countries, the challenge rests in effective operationalization of policy framework. It is, therefore, important to initiate measures that ensure effective support mobilization to ensure self reliance, autonomy, dignity and inclusiveness for the disabled. It is important to exhibit confidence in their potential and help them deal with Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. Initially, for three years, the Centre will be housed at the EDIICampus and ensure skill development and entrepreneurship training of 24,000 disabled people. The primary focus would be on Capacity building for self-employment, entrepreneurship and socially relevant incomegenerating activities. Enhancing employability skills and linkages with enterprises having social concerns for Differently Abled people would be an outcome that will be targeted through research, impact assessment studies and policy advisory.