District admn launches Café SPICE, run entirely by specially abled persons

Café SPICE is not just a place—it is a statement of dignity, capability and equal opportunity. Aiming to boost the morale of differently abled persons and to make them self-reliant, the district administration has launched a unique initiative by setting up a cafeteria on Hambran Road that would be operated entirely by specially abled individuals.

Providing details about the project, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said Café SPICE (Specialised Programme for Inclusion, Confidence and Empowerment) functions under Project UMEED — the district administration’s flagship programme to empower specially abled persons through skill development, dignified livelihoods and social inclusion. He added that the café would be managed by three trained staff members—Paramveer Singh, Vikas and Amarjot Kaur.

Jain emphasised the administration’s focus on making the city a truly disability-friendly one. The expenditure for the project has been borne by district Red Cross. The three café team members will independently handle all operations—from cooking and serving to billing and customer interaction—marking a major step towards financial independence and workplace inclusion.

Speaking at the inauguration of the café, the DC reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods, accessible infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem where every specially abled individual could thrive with pride and independence.

He also announced that Project UMEED would soon be expanded to include additional vocational training modules, employment linkages and inclusive public infrastructure across the district.

During the event, parents of the three trainees were felicitated for their constant encouragement. Contributing partner NGOs — Ashirwad, Act Humane, Nirdosh and Ek Prayas — along with 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 and inclusive workspace for the café staff.

Café SPICE stands as a beacon of empowerment — proving that with the right training, infrastructure and community support, specially abled individuals could lead self-reliant and fulfilling lives, while contributing meaningfully to society.