ENABLED TO DO THEIR BEST

If not for the dedicated efforts of Komal Mittal, a young woman IAS officer, specially-abled youth in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district would have continued to live in the shadow of disability, subjected to discrimination in their struggle to lead a life of dignity

- Harpreet Bajwa

ACCEPTING disability and getting on with life can be incredibly difficult. But refusing to succumb to the limitations, 12 differently-abled and spectrum youth are running five tuck shops in educational institutions of Punjab's Hoshiarpur district, thanks to the initiative of a young woman IAS officer.

This transformation is part of the 'Wings to Intellectually Gifted Stars' (WINGS) programme, launched by the local branch of the Indian Red Cross Society on the initiative and guidance of Deputy Commissioner 35-year old Komal Mittal a 2014-batch IAS officer.

The programme aims to address societal gaps, unlock unexplored talents, and foster inclusive employment opportunities for disabled youth.

To empower the youth economically and provide them with opportunities to learn and gain skills, five tuck shops were set up last December in the Red Cross Office, regional campus of Panjab University, Government College in Hoshiarpur, Government ITI for Boys, and the Institute of Automotive and Driving Skills.

Each tuck shop employs two disabled and spectrum youth, supported by a woman helper.

They sell a variety of items such as tea, coffee, lassi, beverages, samosas, sandwiches, and chips. From December to June, these shops generated sales of around 10-13 lakh, with profits used to open additional shops after deducting honorariums, salaries, and raw material costs.

Each youth receives ₹5,000 as a monthly honorarium. The shops have catered to around 8,500 people during this period.