PCMC launches Centre of Excellence to empower Persons with Disabilities through skill mapping and employment support
PCMC launches Centre of Excellence to empower Persons with Disabilities through skill mapping and employment support
Pimpri: In a significant step towards inclusive development, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) inaugurated a Centre of Excellence at its Divyang Bhavan Foundation on Wednesday. The centre, developed in collaboration with EnAble India and the Rohini Foundation, will focus on identifying and analysing the skills of persons with disabilities (PwDs) to facilitate better employment opportunities and workplace integration.
Speaking at the inauguration, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasised the importance of this initiative in bridging the gap between skills and livelihoods for PwDs.
“This Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in mapping the capabilities of persons with disabilities and guiding them towards appropriate employment pathways. It’s not just about job placement – it’s about empowerment and long-term support,” Singh said.
The centre is envisioned as a knowledge and resource hub where individual challenges faced by PwDs in daily life and in professional settings can be studied and addressed through customised solutions. It will also serve as a platform to educate employers and industry leaders on inclusive hiring practices.
The inauguration event was attended by Divyang Bhavan Foundation’s Managing Director Omprakash Deshmukh, Deputy Commissioner Mamata Shinde, Assistant Commissioner Nivedita Gharge, CEO Paresh Gandhi, EnAble India’s Shanti Raghavan, and Rohini Foundation’s Akshay Sarode, along with representatives from various NGOs, corporates, and the PwD community.
Commissioner Singh also announced plans for a dedicated programme to connect PwDs with opportunities in the industrial sector.
“PCMC has been working consistently to promote workplace solutions for the disabled. With the Centre of Excellence now operational, we can create tailored skill development and employment strategies for individuals,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Mamata Shinde noted that the administration is also ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to services for PwDs. “Over the next five years, our focus will remain on expanding skill-based employment options and improving accessibility in every possible way,” she said.
Managing Director Omprakash Deshmukh highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making. “Systematic surveys of the PwD population are crucial. The insights generated through this centre will help us accelerate our work and raise the overall quality of life and education for persons with disabilities,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Nivedita Gharge delivered the welcome address, while Arya Tendulkar anchored the event. Divyang bhavan foundation CEO Paresh Gandhi proposed the vote of thanks.
After the formal inauguration, Commissioner Shekhar Singh interacted with representatives of EnAble India and Rohini Foundation to understand the centre’s approach and potential impact. Shanti Raghavan elaborated on the tools and strategies being deployed to address daily challenges faced by PwDs, while Akshay Sarode spoke about the centre’s role in creating sustainable employment linkages.
