Mumbai, Feb 26 – The Maharashtra government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the social organization Youth for Jobs to provide employment opportunities for youth with disabilities, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday. The initiative aims to ensure financial independence for differently abled individuals by integrating them into the workforce.
In a statement, Fadnavis emphasized the government's commitment to training and employing differently abled youth, ensuring their economic self-reliance. As part of this effort, eligible individuals will be issued a Unique Disability ID (UDID) over the next five years, facilitating their access to both employment and self-employment opportunities.
The state is already implementing various schemes for the welfare of people with disabilities, and voluntary organizations are also playing a crucial role in their development, he said.
Employment and Self-Employment Initiatives
Under the upcoming MoU, Youth for Jobs will initially collaborate with authorities in Vidarbha and North Maharashtra, focusing on generating employment and self-employment opportunities. The initiative is expected to expand across Maharashtra in the coming years.The government is also taking proactive steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities, whether congenital or due to accidents, receive their rightful benefits under existing welfare schemes.
Highlighting the central government’s efforts, Fadnavis stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced several key initiatives to drive India’s development, including skill-based employment programs. The Maharashtra government has aligned itself with this vision through the establishment of a Skill Development Department, which is focused on creating job opportunities for young people.
Model for Employment and Skill Development
Founded by social entrepreneur Meera Shenoy, Youth for Jobs has previously collaborated with the central government and the Gadchiroli district administration to enhance employment prospects for youth with disabilities. The organization provides specialized training based on the nature of disabilities and facilitates job fairs to connect trained individuals with relevant industries.For those unable to work in formal jobs, self-employment opportunities are being created to help them become financially independent and fully integrated into mainstream society. This model will be replicated across all districts in Maharashtra.
Comprehensive Database for Inclusivity
To ensure the full participation of disabled individuals in government schemes, the state is compiling an updated database through a registration drive, with UDID cards being issued to eligible individuals. This will help streamline access to benefits and employment-related initiatives.In its first phase, Youth for Jobs will work in Vidarbha and North Maharashtra in partnership with state authorities and local district administrations. The government has assured full support for this initiative, which marks a significant step towards empowering differently abled youth across Maharashtra.
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