DC inaugurates Café S.P.I.C.E. under Project UMEED to empower specially-abled persons

Ludhiana, Oct 29, 2025: In a pioneering initiative to foster inclusion and self-reliance, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Tuesday inaugurated Café S.P.I.C.E. (Specialised Program for Inclusion, Confidence & Empowerment) under Project UMEED – the District Administration’s flagship program dedicated to empowering specially-abled persons through skill development, dignified livelihoods, and social integration.
Located at the Government Dispensary in Ayali Khurd on Hambran Road, Café S.P.I.C.E. will be exclusively managed by specially-abled individuals. The three trained staff members – Paramveer Singh, Vikas, and Amarjot Kaur – will independently handle all operations, from cooking and serving to billing and customer interaction, marking a significant step toward financial independence and workplace inclusion.
Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of specially-abled persons.   “Our vision is to make Ludhiana truly disability-friendly. Café S.P.I.C.E. is not just a café – it is a powerful statement of dignity, capability, and equal opportunity. He added that the administration is fully committed to creating sustainable livelihoods, accessible infrastructure, and a supportive ecosystem where every specially-abled individual can thrive with pride and independence,” he said.
Jain further announced that Project UMEED will be expanded in phases to include more vocational training modules, employment linkages, and inclusive public infrastructure across the district.
During the event, the parents of the three trainees were felicitated for their unwavering support. Contributing partners NGOs Ashirwad, Act Humane, Nirdosh, Ek Prayas, and CSR supporters Munjal Family, RN Gupta, and Versatile Enterprises were honoured with saplings as tokens of gratitude.
A newly constructed fully accessible washroom, was also inaugurated, ensuring a safe, dignified, and inclusive workspace for the café team.
Café S.P.I.C.E stands as a beacon of empowerment, proving that with the right training, infrastructure, and societal support, specially-abled individuals can lead self-reliant, fulfilling lives while contributing meaningfully to the community.