Under the Employment Directorate (DGE) of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Career Service Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCSCD-DA) organized a vibrant Diwali fair to exhibit the handmade products, craft skills and vocational abilities of trained persons with disabilities (PWD) across its centres nationwide
Products made by NCSCD-DA trainees and alumni from centres in Delhi, Tiruvananthapuram, Dehradun, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Mumbai were brought together at the fair. The exhibition displayed a wide range of handmade and skill‑based items including jute and fabric bags, candles, electronic items, paintings, soaps, crochet products, dress‑making and textile goods, weaving, embroidery, woodwork and decorative festive items
The stalls provided participants a valuable platform to showcase their creativity, interact directly with visitors, receive feedback and explore opportunities for sales, self‑employment and market contacts. The products reflect both the traditional craft skills and contemporary vocational training offered at NCSCD-DA centres
At the event, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the fair demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to empower persons with disabilities through skill development, dignity of labour and economic independence. He added that the initiative shows that with proper training and opportunities, persons with disabilities can excel as skilled artisans, entrepreneurs and contributors to the national economy
The main focus of the Diwali fair was to bring the craft skills developed through these training programmes onto a platform, celebrate the talent of disabled artisans and trainees, and acknowledge their contribution to inclusive economic development. The programme also called for greater awareness of the quality, utility and market potential of products made by persons with disabilities
The ministry plans to progressively expand the Diwali fair into a larger national‑level platform. In future editions, products and craft skills from additional NCSCD-DA centres in states and union territories are expected to be showcased, providing broader availability, market opportunities and recognition for disabled trainees and artisans
NCSCD-DA functions as a special wing of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities across India. Currently, 24 NCSCD-DA centres nationwide provide career counselling, vocational guidance, informal vocational training, placement assistance and outreach services. Training is offered in several trades including dress‑making, tailoring, weaving and embroidery, woodwork, computer applications, electronics, general mechanics and other employment‑oriented skills
The Diwali fair is a tangible example of the government’s efforts to promote accessible skill, inclusive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities