Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL), in collaboration with Atypical Advantage, has launched a landmark initiative to strengthen disability inclusion in India’s manufacturing sector. The announcement was made during the EmployAbility in Manufacturing Summit 2025, held in Mumbai, bringing together corporates, policymakers, and inclusion specialists to shift the conversation from why inclusion matters to how it can be implemented effectively.

Despite employing over 30 million people, the manufacturing sector continues to reflect a significant inclusion gap. Workforce participation among persons with disabilities (PwD) stands at just 36%, compared to nearly 60% for others. Addressing this gap, the event unveiled ‘Work That Includes’ – India’s first Employability Toolkit for manufacturing, created as a ready-to-deploy guide to help factories build inclusive systems.

Developed by Integrative Solutions, the toolkit includes actionable frameworks such as job mapping templates, accessibility assessments, workflow redesign guidance, Indian Sign Language glossaries, and case studies from sectors including FMCG, automobiles, and semiconductors. The launch featured noted disability advocate and IAS officer Ira Singhal.

Vineet Saraiwala, Founder of Atypical Advantage, highlighted that perceived barriers-not capability-remain the biggest hurdle. He noted that GCPL’s investment in readiness and inclusive hiring proves that accessibility and performance can go hand-in-hand.

GCPL has already integrated PwD talent across its facilities in Malanpur and Chengalpattu, building accessible infrastructure and embedding ISL and awareness training into its learning ecosystem. According to Vaibhav Ram, Global Head – HR at GCPL, disability inclusion is now positioned as a strategic priority, not a CSR gesture.

The initiative reinforces that inclusive manufacturing creates stronger culture, higher productivity, and long-term business advantage as India’s industrial growth accelerates.