A call center in Mumbai that is operated by the visually challenged

Mumbai, Mar.20 :Mumbai boasts of a business process outsourcing (BPO) unit that is predominantly run by the visually challenged.

The call centre named "Drishti', which translated from Hindi to English means 'Vision', is the only call centre in India that has put in its faith in the visually impaired.

Officials claim that in just eight operating months, the number of employees has almost tripled, and for all those working happily at the call centre, being sightless is no barrier to earning a decent livelihood.

"This is my first job and I really like it. I thought it would be tough working in call centers but it took me eight days during the training. Initially I faced some problems but now it's fine," said Mangesh Indulkar, a visually impaired employee.

While many feel proud about their achievements, others are basking in the joys of self-confidence and self-reliance.

"It is a challenging work but we can work independently, without taking help from anyone else, So, we are feeling good while working here," said Aruna Shinde, another visually impaired employee.

Reena Chaddha, the project manager, says that 'special' people are no different from the normal people in working.

"I don't see any difference between normal people and them...like you know ....so that gives me a lot of happiness," said Chaddha.

It is expected that India's revenue from back-office outsourcing is likely to surge nearly five-fold to 50 billion dollars by 2012, despite a possible recession in the key United States market.

According to trade analysts, the sector has logged a 35 percent annual growth over the last five years to hit annual revenues of about 11 billion dollars, with the bulk coming from exports. The sector employs 700,000 people and is expected to provide direct employment to about two million by 2012.

ANI