Self-employment dream fulfilled for persons with disabilities

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, July 13: Ramesh Neupane of Pharshatikar, Rupandehi, is physically disabled. He is unable to do physical labour. He had a dream of running a small business from home. That dream has now been fulfilled.

To promote self-employment among persons with disabilities, seed capital was distributed in Rupandehi a month ago.

After receiving Rs. 10,000 as seed capital, he has now started a small shop at home and is making efforts to become self-reliant.

Not only Ramesh, but Kamala Paudel of Sainamaina also said that after receiving seed capital from the government, she opened a small shop at home and engaged in business.

People with disabilities were supported by adding some amount from their side to start a business.

Seed capital of Rs. 10,000 per person was distributed to six persons with disabilities, and with additional investment, they have been able to engage in home-based businesses.

Seed capital was distributed to make persons with disabilities self-reliant through self-employment programmes for those who were unable to do anything due to financial difficulties.

Nepal Association for the Upliftment of the Blind distributed the amount to persons with disabilities with financial support from the Social Development Division Office, Rupandehi. If persons with disabilities perform well, additional funds will be provided as encouragement.

President of the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal Lumbini Province, Humnath Adhikari, said that in the absence of encouragement and support from any sector, the distribution of seed capital has brought enthusiasm among persons with disabilities.

Earlier, they had to depend on others even for health checkups and such small support helps in rehabilitation, empowerment, and capacity development.

Chairperson of Ward No. 10, Sainamaina Municipality, Krishna Prasad Ghimire, said that even a small amount can make a big difference in helping persons with disabilities to engage in income-generating activities.

He said that Sainamaina Municipality has also been encouraging persons with disabilities by conducting various programmes to support their income generation.

Sainamaina Municipality is constructing a souvenir house in Saljhandi within a few months. Goods produced by persons with disabilities will be placed and sold in the souvenir house to promote and encourage them.