32 awards, three categories: Gujarat honours Divyang employees and employers

The awards will be presented in three categories, with 23 going to persons with disabilities engaged in employment or self-employment, eight to employers recognised for providing job opportunities to persons with disabilities, and one to a placement officer. The selection was finalised at a meeting of the State Divyang Awards Selection Committee held in Gandhinagar under the virtual chairmanship of Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya.

Minister of State Kantilal Amrutiya attended the meeting. The committee comprises 13 government and non-government members, who reviewed the applications before deciding on the awardees. The state government introduced the ‘State Divyang Awards Scheme’ to encourage persons with disabilities to pursue employment and self-employment and become financially self-reliant.

The scheme also recognises employers who provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities and placement officers who assist in their placement. The awards are decided at the state level, taking into account the type and degree of disability. Persons with disabilities engaged in employment or self-employment will receive an incentive of Rs 10,000 along with a certificate. Outstanding employers and the selected placement officer will be honoured with a shield and a certificate.

Assistant Director of the Employment Department Prashant Trivedi outlined the programme at the meeting and delivered the vote of thanks. Labour, Skill Development and Employment Secretary Lochan Sehra, Commissioner for Divyang Persons V.J. Rajput, Director of Employment and Training A.K. Vastani, Joint Secretary Tejas Soni and other government representatives attended the meeting. Non-government members Kaushalya Kunwarba Parmar and Kantibhai Parmar were also present.