From correspondents in Delhi, India, 07:07 PM IST

The National Trust today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind Marketing Board for the disabled ‘ARUNIM’ (Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative in Marketing). The initiative was launched by former President of India, Hon’ble Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and he presented the logo of ARUNIM to Ms. Sminu Jindal, Chairperson, ARUNIM. Also, present at the occasion were Smt. Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, Minister of State, Social Justice and Empowerment, Chairperson - National Trust, Joint Secretary & CEO, National Trust, Joint Secretary (DD), Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Additional Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment. A booklet on ARUNIM and a helpline – ABILINE was also launched by the Chief Guest.

ARUNIM is a path-breaking initiative of the National Trust, a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The National Trust Act, which came into force by an Act of Parliament in 1999, governs the functioning of the Trust.

Talking about the initiative, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Chairperson, ARUNIM said, “The commencement of ARUNIM marks yet another landmark initiative by the National Trust and is a very proud moment for everyone associated with this venture. This initiative is a step towards Economic Empowerment of persons with severe to profound disabilities who have limited opportunities for open placement. We would assist them in securing livelihood and capacity building through production of goods that are market-driven, making them competitive and market compatible.”

Proposed Activities of ARUNIM include:

· Develop skills of persons with disability through training from Designers and Special Educators

· Facilitate use of appropriate adaptations and technology to improve productivity and quality of products

· Expose organizations and entrepreneurs with disability, to business strategy and practices

· Document good practices and products in the sector, among member organizations

· Replicate successful products and practices and work for synergy and co-operative endeavours

· Enable improvement in product design, where desirable, to make it competitive with the best in the market

· Emulate successful initiatives in other marginalized sectors

· Ensure minimum wages for all persons with disability working in sheltered/supported environs by identifying sustainable products for sustainable markets

· Nurture adherence to highest quality standards as a practice

· Establish ARUNIM as a premium quality brand

· Empower persons with disability with earning power, and sustainable livelihood options, and thus become contributing members to society

· Augment self-esteem among persons with disability, and respect and responsibility of the community for their rights

· Facilitate marketing ARUNIM products in India and abroad

· Involve Corporate Institutions appropriately to fulfill Social Responsibility commitments

· Engage with Government institutions to act in convergence towards the objective

· Participate in fairs and festivals to showcase abilities of members

· Establish exclusive outlets to market ARUNIM brand of products across the country

· Stand for excellent business practices with direct bearing on improving earning capacities of persons with developmental disabilities

ARUNIM is an independent Marketing Federation which will work for atleast minimum wages for persons employed in sheltered/supported work environments, by facilitating skill development, innovative product designing and development, adaptations and mechanization where appropriate and feasible, Quality Assurance, and by marketing products made, using sound strategies in Product, Packaging, Pricing, Placing and Promotions.

It is registered under Societies Registration Act 1865, and has Ms. Sminu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal SAW, in the Chair. The Board comprises a committed and enthusiastic team of professionals from the fields of Marketing, Product Design, Human Resources, Special Education, Law, and from the NGO sector working with persons with disabilities.

Source: Press Release Distribution via India PRwire