State Disability Award Selection Committee meets in Gandhinagar; winners selected from 289 applications for 2022, 2023 and 2024
Gandhinagar:
The Gujarat Government has taken an important step towards encouraging persons with disabilities to pursue employment and self-employment opportunities and become more self-reliant under the ‘State Disability Award Scheme’.
A meeting of the State Disability Award Selection Committee was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya. The committee reviewed a total of 289 applications received for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 and initiated the final selection process for eligible candidates.
32 Awards Across Three Categories
The committee has selected a total of 32 state-level awards across three categories.
These include:
- 8 awards for outstanding employers from the public and private sectors
- 23 awards for persons with disabilities engaged in employment or self-employment
- 1 award for a placement officer who has played a significant role in facilitating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities
The scheme aims not merely to provide assistance but also to recognise and encourage the skills, talent, achievements and self-reliance of persons with disabilities.
Recognition for Employees and Supportive Employers
Under the state-level award scheme, outstanding employers will be honoured with a shield and certificate.
Selected persons with disabilities engaged in employment or self-employment will receive a ₹10,000 incentive along with a certificate.
A placement officer who has made a significant contribution towards providing employment opportunities to persons with disabilities will also be honoured with a shield and certificate.
Government Focus on Equal Opportunities
Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya said that the government is continuously working to connect persons with disabilities with employment and self-employment opportunities and help them become more self-reliant.
He added that such state-level awards can serve as an encouragement not only for persons with disabilities but also for employers who provide them with meaningful employment opportunities.
Officials Attend the Meeting
Labour, Skill Development and Employment Secretary Lochan Sehra, Labour Commissioner K.D. Lakhani, Director of Employment and Training A.K. Vastani, along with government and non-government members of the selection committee, were present at the meeting.
The initiative is being viewed as an important step towards creating a more inclusive development model, where persons with disabilities are encouraged through equal opportunities, recognition and dignity rather than sympathy alone.
