Kerala company set up to support artisans with disabilities

Handicrops Divyanga Impex, a company based in Palakkad in Kerala, is supporting disabled artisans in India.

Out of the eight directors of the company, five are wheelchair-bound. The company is run by the disabled with the help of public to encourage self-employment.

The company will provide assistance to people with disabilities and their families in skill development programmes, financial and material resources.

Handicrops already has more than a hundred disabled members who mostly work from home and make paper pens, LED bulbs, paper bags, umbrellas, handmade soaps, jewellery, and other handicrafts.

The company plans to create devices such as electric wheelchairs and make more people a part of the group.

As per the officials, anyone who cares for the welfare of the disabled can take shares in the company, with the minimum investment being Rs. 10,000, while the limit is Rs. 5 lakh.

The company plans to develop its own brands. Right now, it aims to focus on creating paper pens and umbrellas and has received orders for 50,000 pens.