Page 12 - EDII Report 123
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EDII REPORTS 123
...Project SABAL
In a groundbreaking effort to foster inclusion and empowerment, the Department of Empowerment of
Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and EDII, have explored partnering with leading corporate entities to
create promising livelihood opportunities for 3000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This initiative, known as
'Support, Activate and Build Assured Livelihoods (SABAL) for Persons with Disabilities under CSR Actions,' is
set to change the landscape of opportunities for PwDs in India.
A Roundtable Meet held at Delhi on 21st September, 2023, brought together key stakeholders in this mission.
Notable attendees included Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS Secretary, DEPwD; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of
EDII; and Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Department of Projects (Corporate), EDII, among others. Corporate
leaders from PNB, XIAOMI, NTPC, Delhi Metro, BHEL, and several other prestigious organizations actively
participated in discussions.
The objective of the Roundtable Meet was to explore possibilities of mounting result-oriented interventions
to facilitate establishment of 3000 new enterprises led by PwDs. These enterprises are envisioned to be a mix
of 1500 technology-driven and 1500 general enterprises, offering a wide array of opportunities for PwDs.
The discussions revolved around various facets of empowering PwDs, including sustainable enterprise
creation, infrastructure enhancement, changing societal perceptions, creating inclusive environments, and
identifying business opportunities for PwDs. Importantly, SABAL seeks to align its interventions with
sustainable development goals and break down barriers that have long relegated PwDs to lower-paying jobs.
Seen during the Rountable meet are (in the centre) Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS Secretary – DEPwD; (6thfrom R) Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; (5th
from L) Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Department of Projects (Corporate), EDII; (4thfrom R) Mr. Nikhilesh Desai, Advisor, EDII with representatives from
corporates.
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