GUWAHATI, Dec 11 - A Guwahati-based NGO Atma Nirbhar � Ek Challenge has won the prestigious NCPEDP Mindtree Helen Keller Award for the year 2020 in the category of Role Model NGO/organisation for providing employment to people with disabilities. The award was presented on 10th December, 2020 at a online distribution ceremony, a press release said.
Founded in 1996 by Late Kaushik Das, Atma Nirbhar�Ek Challenge has been working tirelessly to provide employment to people with disabilities from across the disability spectrum. For this, the organisation operates a tea and grocery packaging unit in Birubari, Guwahati where only persons with disability are employed. At this centre, Atma Nirbhar �Ek Challenge packages its own brand of Nav Jeevan tea and spices and also undertakes job work for other tea and grocery brands. Currently, there are 50 disabled persons working at the unit. Apart from a monthly stipend and daily nutritious midday meal, the beneficiaries are covered under social security schemes like Provident Fund and ESIC where Atma Nirbhar�Ek Challenge covers both the employer and employee contributions.
The NCPEDP Mindtree awards are given in three categories �Role Model Persons with Disabilities, Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities and Role Model NGOs/Organisations. Atma Nirbhar � Ek Challenge had last won the award in the year 2000.
