The National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs), under the Directorate General of Employment (DGE), Ministry of Labour and Employment, organised a vibrant Diwali Mela to showcase the handmade products, craftsmanship, and vocational skills of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) trained at its centres across the country.
The Mela brought together products crafted by PwD trainees and alumni from NCSC-DA centres in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Dehradun, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The exhibition featured a wide range of handmade and skill-based products, including jute and cloth bags, candles, electronic items, paintings, soaps, crochet products, dress-making and textile items, knitting, embroidery, woodwork and decorative festive products.
The stalls provided participants with a valuable platform to display their creativity, interact directly with visitors, receive feedback, and explore opportunities for sales, self-employment and market linkages. The products reflected both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary vocational training imparted at the NCSC-DA centres.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Secretary, MoLE said that the Mela reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering PwDs through skill development, dignity of labour and economic independence. The initiative demonstrates that, with appropriate training and opportunities, PwDs can excel as skilled artisans, entrepreneurs and contributors to the national economy.
The major focus of the Diwali Mela was to bring together the craftsmanship developed through these training programmes under one platform, celebrate the talent of PwD artisans and trainees and acknowledge their contribution to inclusive economic growth. The event also sought to promote awareness about the quality, utility, and market potential of products made by PwDs.
The Ministry plans to progressively expand the Diwali Mela into a larger national-level platform. In future editions, handmade products and craftsmanship from additional NCSC-DA centres across States and Union Territories are expected to be showcased, creating wider visibility, market opportunities, and recognition for PwD trainees and artisans.
The NCSC-DAs function as the special wing of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the vocational rehabilitation of PwDs throughout India. At present, 24 NCSC-DA centres across the country provide career counselling, vocational guidance, non-formal vocational training, placement support and outreach services. Training is offered in multiple trades, including dress-making, tailoring, knitting and embroidery, woodwork, computer applications, electronics, general mechanics and other employability-oriented skills.
The Diwali Mela stands as a meaningful example of the Government’s efforts to promote accessible skilling, inclusive employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.