Lok Seva Sangam Hosts Employment Fair to Support Persons Affected by Leprosy in Mumbai

Mumbai, November 17, 2025: Lok Seva Sangam (LSS), a Mumbai-based NGO working towards leprosy eradication and community upliftment, organised an Employment Fair for persons affected by leprosy and individuals with disabilities from the L, M East and M West Wards. The event took place at Shri Ganesh Samaj Kalyan Kendra, Nehru Nagar, Kurla (East), drawing participation from around 140 beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, leprosy-affected individuals, and their families.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement by Mr. Vilas Pawar, Assistant Director (Employment), National Career Service Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCSC), who stated that individuals affected by leprosy with 40% disability and above will be eligible for free training, stipends, and job placements under NCSC programmes. He also committed to supporting and certifying future training programmes under LSS’s Astitva Project.

The fair saw the presence of several dignitaries, including 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). LSS President Mr. Henry Dsouza and senior members of the organisation were also in attendance.

Under its Astitva Livelihood Project for leprosy-affected individuals, Lok Seva Sangam provides counselling, information on government schemes, assistance with UDID cards, vocational training support, employment linkages, financial guidance for self-employment, and material support for micro-enterprises. The initiative also focuses on strengthening women’s self-help groups to promote economic independence.

Speakers at the event encouraged beneficiaries to make use of available government and NGO-led opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The programme was anchored by Mr. Swapnil Jadhav, with an introduction by Mr. Vinod Hiwale, while Mateus Didonet outlined upcoming services planned by LSS. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Henry Dsouza, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and stigma-free society.

Lok Seva Sangam, established in 1976, continues to work on health, education, and livelihood initiatives to support vulnerable communities across Mumbai.