12 November 2025: An inspiring moment marked Lok Seva Sangam’s employment fair on 12 November 2025 when Mr. Vilas Pawar, Assistant Director (Employment), National Career Service Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCSC), announced that leprosy-affected individuals with 40% disability and above would be eligible for free training, stipends, and job placements through NCSC, and committed to certifying future training programs under LSS’s Astitva Project.
Lok Seva Sangam (LSS), established in 1976, is a Mumbai-based NGO committed to eradicating leprosy and uplifting underserved communities. Conducted a Grand Interaction and Employment Fair for persons affected by leprosy and individuals with disabilities from the L, M East, and M West Wards. The event was held at Shri Ganesh Samaj Kalyan Kendra, Nehru Nagar, Kurla (East), and received enthusiastic participation from 140 beneficiaries, including leprosy-affected persons, persons with disabilities, and their family members. The event was graced by notable guests such as Mr. Vilas Pawar, Assistant Director (Employment); representatives from the National Career Service Centre for Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Sandeep Hire (NASIO); Mr. Jayesh Randive (MCED Mumbai); and Mr. Vishal Kamble (E-Foundation). Lok Seva Sangam’s president, Mr. Henry Dsouza, and senior members were also present. Under the Astitva Livelihood Project for leprosy, Lok Seva Sangam aims to provide:
- Counselling and guidance
- Information on government welfare schemes
- Assistance in obtaining UDID cards
- Details on vocational and skill development training
- Support for connecting participants to employment opportunities
- Guidance and financial support for initiating self-employment
- Strengthening women’s self-help groups for economic independence
- Distribution of essential materials for starting microbusinesses
All dignitaries shared valuable insights and encouraged beneficiaries to utilise available schemes and opportunities for sustainable development.
The program was anchored by Mr. Swapnil Jadhav, with an introduction by Mr. Vinod Hiwale. Mateus Didonet shared details of upcoming services and facilities planned by LSS for the community. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Henry Dsouza, President, Lok Seva Sangam. Lok Seva Sangam reaffirms its commitment to fighting stigma and building a more inclusive society through dedicated health, education, and livelihood initiatives.