Dr G Narendra Kumar IAS, Director General, NIRDPR pointed out that about 69% of the differently-abled persons are in rural India according to 2011 census. Studies prove that the productivity of differently-abled workers is 15 per cent higher than others.
Also, the attrition rate of a differently-abled workforce is much lower than others; and this is certainly an attractive proposition for employers. The Director-General also highlighted the need to strengthen the ties with PwD Sector Skill Council in order to explore more possibilities and also to train the trainers of Divyangjan candidates and also to focus on recognition of prior learning (RPL) of those differently-abled engaged in agri-sectors in rural India.
Alka Upadhyaya, IAS, Additional Secretary, MoRD addressing the audience mentioned that the awardees are an inspiration to all of us, and they should continue to do so. Recounting the success stories of several candidates who were trained and placed in DDU-GKY programme, Smt Upadhyaya mentioned that every candidate associated with DDU-GKY has a journey and a story of success to tell.DDU-GKY is implemented differently from other skilling programmes and has robust standard operating procedures. Smt Upadhyaya mentioned that it is important to focus on good mobilisation practices without a commercial mindset. It has been proven through a study conducted that if the mobilisation practices are correct, then their placement, retention and career progression will also be effective.
Amit Kataria, IAS, Joint Secretary (Skills), MoRD speaking on the occasion reminded that both training agencies and employers have to be sensitive to and aware of the challenges our PwD youth faces in terms of barriers that exist in terms of their accessibility to quality education and training programs. A more coherent, and empathetic approach is required to mainstream the requirements of PwD youth and robust processes are to be put in place wherein they become part of skilling ecosystem and find a way for themselves keeping their self-esteem intact thereby enhancing decision-making abilities.Ministry’s aim is to encourage and promote inclusivity wherein youth from all sections of society can come forward and participate in this process of making India a “Skilling Hub” of the world, he added.
This event is an opportunity not only to felicitate the candidates who have overcome challenges in life to carve out a successful career for themselves, but also to reiterate the commitment of the Ministry towards Divyanagjan, he said.
Some of the candidates who received the awards addressed the audience and recounted their life journey and the difference that skill training brought to their lives. Employers and training partners also shared their experiences of skilling and employing the candidates and also put forth suggestions to explore newer directions in the journey of inclusion.
