The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nipman Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) to launch the Breaking Barriers Fellowship.
The Fellowship is designed to strengthen policy support within DEPwD and improve the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Selected fellows will be placed within DEPwD offices, where they will contribute research, data analysis, and fresh perspectives to policymaking and execution.
Officials highlighted that the Fellowship would not only support government functioning but also offer mentorship, hands-on governance experience, and exposure to disability rights issues for young professionals. The program will follow a merit-based and transparent selection process. Fellows will be required to submit quarterly progress reports, and confidentiality will be maintained in line with the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
The Fellowship will initially run for one year, with the option of extension upon mutual agreement.