Officials of the National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled (NCSCDA), Dimapur, with candidates after a placement drive at the Assistant Labour Commissioner's Building, Purana Bazar, on June 12. (Morung Photo)
31 PwDs attend placement drive in Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 12
31 persons with disabilities (PwDs) participated in a placement drive organised by the National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled (NCSCDA), Dimapur, at the Assistant Labour Commissioner’s Building, Purana Bazar on Friday.
Held in collaboration with Vishal Mega Mart, the recruitment drive offered opportunities for the post of sales executive with placements available in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Mon, Niuland and Mokokchung districts. The openings were specifically earmarked for NCSCDA alumni and PwDs from Nagaland.
Candidates with educational qualifications of Class VIII and above were eligible to participate, while preference was given to persons with locomotor disabilities.
Speaking to The Morung Express on the sidelines of the programme, Deputy Director of NCSCDA Dimapur, Dr T Mohan, said awareness about employment services and opportunities available for persons with disabilities remains limited.
He informed that the centre, which became fully operational in Nagaland in 2022, has been actively approaching employers and encouraging inclusive hiring practices. While career prospects remain limited, the centre continues to engage with companies and advocate for greater participation in providing jobs for PwDs.
Dr Mohan also appealed to media organisations to give wider publicity to such initiatives so that more eligible candidates can secure suitable employment.
Head of Office and Rehabilitation Officer, NCSCDA Dimapur, Abdu Saleem TK, also noted that stigma surrounding disability continues to pose challenges, with some employers remaining apprehensive about hiring persons with disabilities.
To address this, the centre regularly conducts sensitisation programmes with companies to promote inclusiveness and awareness about the capabilities of PwDs in the workplace.
For many candidates, the placement drive offered a rare opportunity to enter the workforce.
P Mukom Khiam, 22, who recently completed a BA in political science from Tetso College and is awaiting results, described the initiative as a positive platform for job seekers with disabilities.
“In terms of education, I feel we all had the same opportunity. When it comes to discrimination, it depends on the person,” he said, adding that he had not personally experienced discrimination.
Leiya Konyak, 22, who studied up to Class X, said she learned about the placement drive through a WhatsApp group. Taking part in a recruitment drive for the first time, she said she was hopeful of securing an opportunity.
Atune, who is currently pursuing a Diploma in Computer Applications, said she came to know about the drive through her computer class.
She acknowledged facing several challenges due to her disability in her younger years. However, she expressed happiness over the opportunity provided through such prospects.
“Don't lose hope. If you think you can, then you can do anything you put your mind to,” she said.
Another candidate, Ngamjon, originally from Mon district and now residing in Dimapur, said she also learned about the placement drive through her computer class and a support group for persons with disabilities.
Having faced challenges growing up because she appeared different from others, she said she would be excited if selected for the position.
“We are only here for a short time, so it would be best if everyone treats all of us equally,” said Ngamjon.
The placement drive highlighted ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nagaland while promoting greater inclusion and equal participation in the workforce.
