Saksham in accordance with the above-mentioned SDGs deals with PwD employment, Spark Minda and Minda corporation has hired more than 750 People with Disabilities in the manufacturing units across the Spark Minda group.
NEW DELHI: Spark Minda Foundation established a programme called “Saksham” for Empowering People with Disabilities in 2015. Under this programme, a Mega Camp was organized from 1st to 10th February 2023 at Minda Corporation Limited, Noida. The camp was targeted to reach to minimum 1000 PwDs by providing Artificial Limbs, Calipers, Crutches, Walkers, Walking Sticks, Hearing Aids, Eye Check-Ups, UDID Registration Support, Skilling and Employment Support and so on, to People with Disabilities.
Serving humanity
In 2023, the Camp for Empowerment of People with Disabilities was organised to cater to the majority of the PwD population residing in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, where resources are limited. Through the need assessment process and screening camps, PwDs were identified and registered for medical assistance and UDID support.
How camp was organized?
The registration desk was set up to track the total number of PwDs attending the camp. Medical assistance was provided for identifying fitment types and assistive aids required. The UDID counter was established to offer assistance to PwDs during registration, counselling them on the benefits of the UDID card, and extending support during registrations.
The employment desk facilitated the employment of PwDs across the Spark Minda Group as well as external agencies and organisations. HR volunteers counselled PwDs for potential employment opportunities, and companies like Amazon and Big Basket participated in the employment desk.
The project “Keys on Wheels” was introduced in collaboration with IIT Bombay and Minda Silca Engineering Private Limited (MSEPL), providing training, machines, keys and consumables, after-sale services, technical assistance, branding support, and guidance on legal aspects of business. This prototype model holds potential possibilities for entrepreneurship.
The Camp for Empowerment of People with Disabilities brought hope to the marginalized by providing access to resources, technology, and employment opportunities. The program aimed to improve the quality of life of PwDs, promote inclusivity, and create a more diverse and equitable society. With the success of the program, the Spark Minda Foundation continues to inspire and empower people with disabilities, promoting their rights and dignity.
Addressing SDGs
The purpose of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to create a set of global goals related to the three fundamental pillars of sustainability – social, economical and environmental. The focus areas includes quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities and partnerships for the goals. SDG-4 aims at providing inclusive and quality education and ensuring lifetime learning experiences for all. SDG-8 focuses on sustainable economic growth that can achieve quality jobs and can improve the standard of living. SDG-10 reduces inequality and sustains the income growth of the people and ensures no one is left behind. SDG-17 implements and strengthens the global partnership for sustainable development.
Role of Saksham Programme
Saksham in accordance with the above-mentioned SDGs deals with PwD employment, Spark Minda and Minda corporation has hired more than 750 People with Disabilities in the manufacturing units across the Spark Minda group. Making assistive devices, such as Artificial Limbs and Callipers accessible to PwDs, is linked to reducing inequality as it can assist them in mobility. The organisation also supports PwDs in obtaining a UDID, which helps create a more equitable workplace. In order to collect data and expand reach, partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organisations, trade associations and like-minded CSR groups can make the lives of PwDs better.
(India CSR)
