Honorable Vice President of India Inaugurates Global Center for Disabilities
Amazon. in and Sarthak Education Trust, a leading non-profit organization working for the cause of People with Disabilities (PWDs), have joined forces to launch the Global Resource Center (GRC). The center, which was inaugurated in the presence of the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, aims to empower people with disabilities across India.
This collaboration between Amazon and Sarthak Education Trust created the Global Resource Center (GRC) to support people with disabilities in Gurugram, Haryana. The GRC provides specialized training, assistive technologies, mentorship opportunities, and customized job placement services tailored to the specific needs of people with disabilities who are Deaf and Hard of hearing (DHH), Blind low vision (BLV) or have locomotor disability. The collaboration leverages Amazon's technology expertise and Sarthak's expertise in skill development, training, and job placement for people with disabilities.
Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “This initiative signifies a giant leap towards inclusivity. By offering invaluable resources and opportunities to people with disabilities, the GRC reflects our nation’s commitment to creating a society where everyone can contribute meaningfully. I commend corporates for their vision and dedication to fostering empowerment and embracing diversity".
The GRC’s impactful programs will encompass capacity building in technology, e-commerce, logistics, and beyond, ensuring that people with disabilities have the skills and support needed to thrive in the digital economy. The Rozgarsarthi app, an integral part of the program, connects candidates with disabilities with opportunities at Amazon and other organizations. Additionally, Amazon equips people with disabilities with English language skills, provides mobile devices, a monthly remuneration of up to INR 20,000 and assists with travel and accommodation.
Abhinav Singh, VP of Customer Fulfilment, Amazon Transportation Services, Global Specialty Fulfilment, and Supply Chain at Amazon India, said, “The launch of the Global Resource Center marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering people with disabilities worldwide. This collaboration with Sarthak Education Trust will provide them with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. We are proud to play a part in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all".
The joint effort between Sarthak Education Trust and Amazon has so far collectively impacted over 15,000 people with disabilities through training of the talent pool of disabled people at GRC and job creation by influencing corporates through assistance with Rozgarsarthi app. They further aim to impact close to 70,000 and 72,000 people with disabilities by 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Sarthak further added, “Our Vision 2027 includes Empowerment of 10 Million PwDs across India, Sustainable Employment and entrepreneurship for 0.2 Million skilled Youth with Disabilities, Expanding the CSO partner network under IDEA with 1000 partners; Supporting organizations in 50 developing countries; State-of-the-Art Global Resource Center in Gurugram and Hosting the 11th International Abilympics in India in 2027. Our strategic shift to focus on Tier 2-3 cities and in-house training aims to bridge the gap between demand and availability of skilled people with disabilities. We are determined to place 7500 people with disabilities in Amazon India and other corporates next year, aligning with our mission of creating inclusive opportunities and empowering everyone, regardless of location".
Amazon India partnered with DePwD, SCPwD and SET to provide job fairs and skill development opportunities and reduce the skill gap in employable young people with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote the participation of people with disabilities in mainstream society through skilling, certification, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
