Pune: PCMC Organises Employment Drive to Connect Persons With Disabilities to Job Opportunities
Pimpri, 15th November 2025: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) conducted a dedicated employment drive for persons with disabilities (PwDs) at the Divyang Bhavan as part of its ‘Centre of Excellence’ initiative. The event on Friday drew strong participation, with 587 aspirants enrolling for various openings.
Nivedita Gharge, Assistant Commissioner, PCMC, said, “Your dreams should have no boundaries. Whatever you aim to achieve, pursue it with commitment. Every obstacle you’ve overcome has built an inner resilience that may not be visible to others, but it is your biggest strength. Use that strength today—express yourself confidently, keep improving your skills and learn from every experience. Stay determined, and success will come your way.”
At the launch, Deputy Commissioner (Social Development) Mamata Shinde said the focus of empowerment should extend well beyond financial schemes. She noted that persons with disabilities thrive when they receive equal opportunities, barrier-free access and an encouraging environment. “When administration, industry and society work together, individuals with disabilities can become an integral part of every sector,” she said, urging all stakeholders to ensure inclusivity becomes a routine practice rather than an exception.
Assistant Commissioner (Disability Cell) Nivedita Gharge, Divyang Bhavan Foundation Managing Director Paresh Gandhi, representatives of Enable India, Spark Minda and Big Basket, CSR Cell teams, organisations working in the disability sector, along with candidates, parents and PCMC officials attended the programme.
Shinde appealed to companies to view PwD employment as an essential part of their organisational responsibility. She stressed the importance of addressing social misconceptions and psychological barriers and encouraged institutions to focus on talent instead of limitations.
The event was hosted by Darshana Fadatre, while Kunal Banubakode delivered the vote of thanks.
Training and Counselling Support for Candidates
Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, Deputy Commissioner Mamata Shinde and Assistant Commissioner Nivedita Gharge, the Divyang Bhavan Foundation has been implementing several programmes aimed at skill-building and holistic development of PwDs.
Ahead of the recruitment drive, candidates and their families received pre-interview training and counselling to help them understand job requirements and prepare effectively. This was the first dedicated job fair organised by the Centre of Excellence to strengthen employability pathways for PwDs.
25 Candidates Receive Job Offers
Recruitment teams from Spark Minda and Big Basket conducted interviews based on job suitability and the nature of disability. Out of the 587 applicants, 151 individuals from the PCMC region were shortlisted and invited. A total of 64 candidates appeared for interviews, including those with locomotor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, low vision and hearing impairment.
Big Basket offered roles to 11 of the 22 candidates interviewed, while Spark Minda selected 14 candidates from 45 interviews. The initiative created a meaningful platform for young PwDs seeking employment across mainstream industries.
