BPO training for disabled at B'lore, Hubli

It is being set up as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) along with Government of India and Karnataka Department of Disability Welfare with technical support from companies like ADC and 24/7 Customers. The initiative is described as first of its kind in the state.

"We have often been approached by companies for candidates who can work in BPOs, but unfortunately we were unable to provide quality candidates," said Managing Trustee of Samarthanam, Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar. He said the centre is aimed to provide vital skills required for disabled persons to work competitively at the BPO sector.

He said as the enquiries for the right candidates increased each month, the gap was widening between requirements and the availability of right candidates. Persons with disability, with proper skills, can perform well in the BPO industry.

The training centre in Bangalore will function at Peenya Industrial Estate, with Samarthanam providing accommodation for candidates from outside the city at its JP Nagar campus and transport up to Peenya to attend six-month programme.

The NGO aims to train 300 persons with disability in a year out of the two centres and has short-listed 25 candidates for the first batch that begins on Saturday.