How Apna Rozgar Scheme (ARS) Works

Apna Rozgaar Scheme, initiated by FOD, one of the few organisations in Delhi serving to economically rehabilitate disabled people by providing them with micro finance. But as financing is not the end rather it is just a means to an end, ARS launches businesses for the disabled people and also assists in flourishing it.

PROJECT ACTIVITY:

When a prospective person approaches us on his own or is referred by some hospitals/organisation or an existing ARS beneficiary, he is interviewed to explore his interest and capabilities apart from his history. Objective is to evolve a successful venture for him. There after, he is asked to fill the prescribed form and submit it along with his disability certificate, proof of residence and photographs. As we are dealing with disabled people, their special needs are kept in mind; we try to reach the ARS facility at their doorstep. Hence, we limit their visits to FOD office to ONE.

One of the FOD representative visits his residence to verify the details he has given to evaluate the potentiality and weak spots. Then the FOD team discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

If the person is found to be needy and deserving, he is initiated into a trade of his choice that he is supposed to mention in the form. The incumbent is not given cash in hand; he is provided goods of around Rs. 3,000/- to start his trade e.g. if he wants to sell stationery, he will be provided with copies, pencils, pens, erasers, ink, glue, geometrical tools, pads, chart paper, other craft papers, refills, etc. In fact the person is asked to furnish the list of commodities he requires in starting his business and also to do some market research from where the products can be bought and what sells… etc. The same method is adopted whether, the incumbent wants to sell readymade garments, tobacco products, eateries, books et al.

At the time of initiating the trade and during the first few weeks, he is constantly provided guidance in terms of business skills, selling methodology, small accounting procedures, system of procuring goods at competitive rates The objective is that he becomes self- sufficient in every respect for his venture in the coming six months.

One of the most important element is starting regular savings so as to attain various ladders of life.

Once a part of ARS, the candidate is thoroughly trained in coordination with other NGO's. The aims of the training are as mentioned below:

· To make the person understand all about his trade in an easy and lucid manner.

· To educate the person about the various aspects of his business like marketing, profit analysis and its distribution.

· To motivate people to keep moving by providing examples of success stories, by helping them understand the opportunities, by warning them about the threats related to their businesses and by giving them tips to improve their business.