CaratLane Partners with Maithree to Launch Pioneering Assisted Employment Scheme for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
18th April 2024, Mumbai — CaratLane, India’s leading omni-channel jewellery brand, has partnered with Maithree, a leading advocate for the empowerment of children and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDDs), to introduce the Assisted Employment Scheme. This ground-breaking initiative aims to ensure sustainable employment opportunities and skill enhancement for PwIDDs, ensuring their integration and success in the workforce. By introducing the Assisted Employment Scheme, Maithree is championing the cause of PwIDDs, providing them with not just jobs but also opportunities for growth and fulfilment. This embodies Maithree's unwavering dedication to fostering a society where everyone can contribute meaningfully and lead dignified lives regardless of ability.
Through this initiative, CaratLane is extending its impact beyond jewellery to make a significant difference in the lives of PwIDDs. This exemplifies a shared vision of creating a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Avnish Anand, Co-Founder and CEO at CaratLane says "At CaratLane, we believe in the power of business to effect social change. By partnering with Maithree, we shall leverage our resources for the greater good, ensuring that economic growth includes everyone, especially those who are often overlooked. This isn’t just about financial support; it’s about integrating these capable young adults into the fabric of our everyday lives and industry. Through this initiative, we aim to break down barriers and foster an environment where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of business practice. Our commitment extends beyond this program, influencing our internal practices and hopefully inspiring other corporations to take similar steps towards inclusivity and social responsibility."
The Assisted Employment Scheme, inspired by the principles of the government's MGNREGA policy, adapts its model to serve the specific needs of PwIDDs, providing them with both financial stability and opportunities for personal development. Key features of the scheme include:
• Two-Year Vocational Training: Participants receive specialised training to prepare them for suitable employment based on their skills and interests.
• Assisted Employment Scheme Grant: A monthly grant that decreases by 20% annually over five years, designed to foster gradual financial independence.
• Productivity-Based Incentives: Rewards based on individual productivity, encouraging participants to enhance their skills and contribute effectively.
• Guaranteed Minimum Earnings: A foundational income of at least Rs 2500 per month for five years, offering financial security.
The first cohort of 100 young adults who have completed a rigorous two-year vocational training program at Maithree and joined the Assissted Employment Scheme were felicitated at an event organised in Chennai on the 16th of April 2024. Mr. Bhaskar Bhat, Director, Tata Sons and Mr. Mithun Sacheti, Founder, CaratLane graced the occasion.
About Maithree:
Maithree is an association of parents of Exceptional Children committed to the welfare of children/persons with special needs. Maithree has impacted over 3000 families in its journey of 3 decades in the city of Chennai. Maithree through its 15 service centres across Chennai provides an array of services including Individualized Education, Vocational skilling, Assisted Employment and Residential Care apart from creating awareness in the society and counselling the parents of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Currently around 450 Children/Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PwIDDs) are under the umbrella of Maithree.
About CaratLane:
CaratLane - a Tanishq Partnership, India’s first omni-channel jewellery brand, was founded in 2008 by Mithun Sacheti and Srinivasa Gopalan with a simple but courageous objective – to make beautiful jewellery accessible, affordable and forever wearable. The driving force behind all of CaratLane's efforts is its purpose of helping people express their emotions. Through its unique designs and innovative technological interventions, it aims to be a meaningful part of every celebration in the modern woman’s life.
As a subsidiary of the Titan Company Limited, CaratLane is partnered with India’s largest retail jewellery, Tanishq. The partnership aims to work towards a common mission – to offer customers beautiful jewellery and a distinctive shopping experience that fits today’s values and lifestyles - enabling CaratLane to grow as India’s 21st-century jewellery brand.
CaratLane is also known for its signature jewellery-buying experience across all platforms. Along with the website, which is India’s largest online jewellery destination, CaratLane now has 260+ brand stores across the country. CaratLane has also pioneered unique features like CaratLane Live, an online live shopping experience and Try at Home, where customers can book an appointment to try their favourite jewellery designs in the comfort of their home, with no obligation to buy. Facilitating the diamond-buying experience in India, CaratLane stores also include a Solitaire Lounge personalised with a highly skilled team to assist diamond buyers in finding the perfect solitaire jewellery.