The Zero Project India Conference 2024 took place at The Leela Hotel, Gurugram, marking a significant step towards advancing disability inclusion and empowerment.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by key dignitaries, including Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Martin Essl, Founder & Chairman of the Zero Project and Essl Foundation, Meera Shenoy, CEO of Youth4Jobs, and Sandeep Kapur, CEO of The Hans Foundation.
These prominent leaders set the tone for two days of discussions focused on creating meaningful change for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Other notable attendees included Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, Marco Teixeira from UNODC, Goa’s State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, and Kanta Singh, representing UN Women.
Key Statistics Highlighting the Need for Action
According to the NFHS-5 survey (2019-21), around 63.28 million people, or 4.52% of India’s population, live with disabilities.
The 2011 Census reported 2.68 crore individuals with disabilities, or 2.21% of the total population. Certain states, like Sikkim, have higher rates of disability (2.98%), while areas like Daman & Diu reported just 0.9%.
More than half of India’s disabled population resides in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Employment Challenges
One of the conference’s main focuses was employment for disabled individuals.
According to the 2011 Census, 1.7 crore disabled people were unemployed, with 46% being male and 54% female.
Unfortunately, only 5 of the Nifty 50 companies currently employ more than 1% of disabled people.
This falls far short of the 4% job reservation mandated for disabled individuals under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Key Voices on Disability Inclusion
Meera Shenoy, CEO of Youth4Jobs, stressed the importance of increasing efforts for inclusion. She said that progress has been made in policies, but real implementation and accountability are still needed. Grassroots innovations, collaboration, and directing resources to the right areas are crucial for transforming the lives of people with disabilities.
Youth4Jobs, now the largest organization in South Asia focused on disability inclusion, has impacted over 590,000 disabled youth, collaborating with the government, 1,500+ companies, and civil society.
Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee & CEO of Axis Bank Foundation, emphasized the power of collaboration, stating that the Zero Project conference is a platform to increase the collective impact of organizations working for inclusivity. These efforts are not just reshaping conversations on equitable livelihoods but creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Innovation and Collaboration at the Heart of the Conference
Michael Fembek, CEO of the Zero Project, highlighted the global collaboration at the event, noting that this conference was a chance to bridge global expertise with innovations from India and beyond. Together, we can make the world more inclusive and accessible.
Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, reinforced the need for job creation and improved infrastructure for PWDs, pointing out that while the corporate sector has made progress, much more needs to be done.
Support from Key Partners
The conference received strong support from The Hans Foundation and Axis Bank Foundation, both crucial players in promoting disability inclusion across India. Their involvement underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration for creating lasting impact.
A Call to Action
Concluding the event, Martin Essl, Founder of the Essl Foundation, called the conference “a catalyst for change,” emphasizing the role of innovation in building an inclusive society. He urged all stakeholders to continue the momentum generated at the event and work towards transforming the lives of PWDs.
Conclusion
The Zero Project India Conference 2024 successfully set the stage for a future where disability inclusion is not just a goal but a reality. With cross-sector collaboration and innovative solutions, the conference has paved the way for transformative change for millions of people with disabilities across India.
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