Lucknow: In a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and empowerment, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has partnered with Bajaj Finserv Limited to introduce a scholarship program aimed at supporting disabled students in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The program, offering scholarships of up to Rs 1 lakh, seeks to assist 100 disabled students pursuing education at various levels, including Secondary, Senior Secondary, and Higher Education.
As part of this scholarship program, a series of awareness workshops are being organized in UP and Maharashtra, with the latest event taking place in collaboration with Integral University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and supported by Bajaj Finserv. These workshops serve as a platform for experts from diverse fields to share their insights on disability laws in India and career exploration opportunities for students with disabilities.
Arman Ali, the Executive Director of NCPEDP, expressed the organization’s commitment to providing quality education as a means of empowerment for every disabled student. These workshops, held in Mumbai and Lucknow previously, are a testament to NCPEDP’s dedication to raising awareness about the rights and welfare policies designed for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
The Lucknow workshop featured informative sessions led by experts. Amar Jain, Co-founder of Mission Accessibility, emphasized the importance of accessibility in accessing various products and services, shedding light on the cross-cutting issue of “Accessibility and Financial Literacy.” Mridu Goel, co-founder of Handi care, addressed the challenges faced by girls with disabilities in the realm of education. She also highlighted the schemes run by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh for disabled individuals, especially girls, while underscoring the discrimination faced by women with disabilities.
Akshay Jain, Assistant Program Manager for Advocacy at NCPEDP, enlightened the audience with the rights given under the RPWD Act 2016 for persons with disability during his session.
Today’s workshop catered to more than 100 participants, including students with disability, social workers, teachers, and parents. The sessions provided valuable insights and knowledge sharing, promoting a better understanding of disability rights and issues.
The NCPEDP-Bajaj Finserv Scholarship program goes beyond traditional financial support, encompassing tuition fees, assistive technology costs, and other relevant expenses tailored to the individual needs and budgets of disabled students. This joint commitment by NCPEDP and Bajaj Finserv stands as a powerful effort to promote education and empowerment among disabled students, ensuring that they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.