Prayagraj, 19 June (HS): In line with the vision of Prime

Minister Narendra Modi under the “Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat

Abhiyan)” and the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka

Prayas,” North Central Railway has achieved a significant milestone in the

field of empowerment and inclusive employment of Persons with Disabilities. Under

the leadership of North Central Railway, General Manager, Naresh Pal Singh, has

provided employment opportunities to more than 300 benchmark Persons with

Disabilities through various contractual arrangements. This initiative is an

important step towards promoting equal opportunity, social justice, and

inclusive development in the true spirit of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Act, 2016.

At present, a total of 8,256 contractual personnel are

working across various departments and units of North Central Railway, of whom

around 300 are Persons with Disabilities serving in different capacities. These

include roles such as Automatic Ticket Vending Machine Operators, Station

Announcers, Data Entry Operators, One Station One Product Stall Operators, and

various other customer service and operational functions.

North Central Railway has not limited its efforts merely to

providing employment opportunities but has also taken significant steps towards

long-term empowerment and self-reliance. In this regard, 100 differently-abled

youth are being provided skill training under the Act Apprenticeship Scheme,

enhancing their employability and future career prospects. This initiative is being implemented across all three

divisions of North Central Railway, Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra, as well as in

various workshops and production units. Among the contractual PwD workforce,

164 are employed in Prayagraj Division, 92 in Jhansi Division, and 25 in Agra

Division. In addition, employment opportunities have also been provided to

Persons with Disabilities in various workshops and production units located in

Jhansi.

North Central Railway’s commitment to inclusion is also

reflected in its regular workforce. At present, 784 Persons with Disabilities

are serving as permanent employees in North Central Railway, including 15

employees appointed during the year 2025–26. This demonstrates the organization’s

continued commitment to creating an inclusive and disability-friendly

workplace.

On this occasion, the North Central Railway, General Manager

Naresh Pal Singh, stated: Persons with Disabilities are an invaluable

strength of our society. North Central Railway is committed to providing them

with dignified employment, equal opportunities, and a platform for

self-reliance. Inclusive development can only be achieved when every section of

society is given an opportunity to grow and contribute.

Atul Kumar Mishra, Deputy General Manager (General), North

Central Railway, who has been continuously monitoring this innovative

initiative, said: In accordance with the spirit of the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities Act, 2016, North Central Railway has launched a special drive

to enhance the participation of Persons with Disabilities across various

departments and units. Providing contractual employment to more than 300 PwDs

and skill training to 100 youths is a significant achievement towards social inclusion

and empowerment.

North Central Railway remains committed to making all its

stations, offices, and workplaces accessible and disability-friendly, ensuring

that Persons with Disabilities can work with dignity, convenience, and

confidence while also availing railway services without barriers.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi