Chennai : In a decisive step toward building structured and scalable
neurodiversity inclusion systems, Tata Power Community Development Trust
(TPCDT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissionerate
for Welfare of the Differently Abled (CWDA), Government of Tamil Nadu. The
partnership will strengthen the Tamil Nadu Rights (TN RIGHTS) programme under
Tata Power’s flagship initiative Pay Autention.
The collaboration is
designed to build an integrated ecosystem that strengthens frontline capacity,
enhances service delivery through technology-enabled systems, and exposure for
industry-aligned livelihood pathways for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Over
the next three years, the initiative will focus on structured training,
community-based neurodiversity care models, and scalable interventions across
districts in Tamil Nadu.
The MoU was signed by Tmt.
M. Lakshmi, IAS, State Commissioner for Welfare of the Differently Abled,
Government of Tamil Nadu, and Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief Sustainability
Officer, Tata Power and Chairperson, Tata Power Community Development Trust, in
the presence of senior leadership from both institutions.
As part of the
partnership, TPCDT will strengthen programme architecture, develop an
open-source LMS, structured training modules, conduct Training of Trainers
(ToT) programmes, integrate technology-enabled solutions, home-based care models, while also creating industry-aligned
volunteering ecosystems that offer wider exposure and essential life skills within the TN RIGHTS framework. The initiative will also pilot
community-based neurodiversity care models and structured home-based therapy
support, creating systems that can be institutionalised within government
delivery mechanisms.
Speaking on the
occasion, Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata
Power, said:
" “At Tata Power, we believe that inclusion
should not depend on isolated initiatives, but must be embedded within the
systems that shape everyday lives. Through Pay Autention, we have been building
structured ecosystems that support awareness, early intervention, skills, and
exposure opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. Our partnership with the
Government of Tamil Nadu under the TN RIGHTS programme is an important step
toward creating sustainable public frameworks that ensure neurodiverse
individuals can thrive with dignity, independence, and opportunity.”
Tmt. M. Lakshmi, IAS,
State Commissioner for Welfare of the Differently Abled, Government of Tamil
Nadu, stated: “The TN RIGHTS programme reflects the
Government of Tamil Nadu’s commitment to inclusion and dignity for Persons with
Disabilities. We are pleased to partner with Tata Power Community Development
Trust in this initiative. This partnership reflects a common vision to
strengthen social care services for all disabilities, with special attention
towards neurodiversity, and community-based services through capacity building,
technology integration, and innovative approaches. Our objective is to
strengthen solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and responsive to the
needs of Persons with Disabilities.”
Through its flagship Pay
Autention initiative, Tata Power Community Development Trust continues to
build structured ecosystems that advance dignity, life skills development, and
social participation for neurodiverse individuals creating measurable and
sustainable impact across communities.
The
initiative reflects Tata Power’s sustained
commitment to social equity through its Pay Autention program, which advances
awareness, early diagnosis, caregiver support, inclusive education, skill
development, and workplace integration for neurodiverse individuals. Supported
by a network of over 20+ nodal organizations, subject matter experts, and the E-Sanidhya
platform developed in collaboration with the Ministry
of Social Justice and Empowerment and Tata
Elxsi, the initiative has reached more than 30,000 individuals and
families, creating meaningful impact across underserved communities.