Maharashtra Govt to Provide Employment Opportunities for Disabled Through Skill Training

Mumbai, 26 February 2025: The Maharashtra government is set to enhance employment and self-employment opportunities for disabled individuals by providing skill training and Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards over the next five years. This initiative aims to make persons with disabilities financially self-reliant and ensure they benefit from government schemes.

The state government is working in collaboration with ‘Youth for Jobs,’ an organization specializing in employment generation for the disabled. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed between the government and the NGO, with the initiative initially covering Vidarbha and North Maharashtra. The project is expected to expand across the entire state in the coming years.

Skill Development and Job Placement for Disabled Individuals

The initiative is part of the central and state governments’ broader strategy to improve employment opportunities through skill development. The Skill Development Department has been set up to train youth, including disabled individuals, in employable skills.

‘Youth for Jobs,’ led by founder and president Meera Shenoy, has previously collaborated with the Gadchiroli District Administration and the Central Government to train and employ disabled youth. The organization customizes training based on the nature of the disability and organizes job fairs to connect trained individuals with industries.

Private sector companies such as Lifestyle International, Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Trends, IIFL, Lax Hospital, Milan Coffee House, HPCL, BPCL, and local automobile dealers have participated in providing employment. Additionally, those unable to work in traditional jobs are being offered self-employment opportunities to integrate them into the mainstream economy.

Statewide Implementation and Database Creation

A comprehensive statewide database is being developed to ensure that all disabled individuals receive government benefits. The process of registering 100% of disabled persons and issuing UDID cards is underway. The initiative will be implemented in phases, starting with Vidarbha and North Maharashtra, with local district administrations coordinating efforts.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized the importance of collaboration with NGOs to achieve the initiative’s objectives. The government aims to ensure that disabled individuals across Maharashtra receive full access to both state and central government welfare schemes.