Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has alleged gross neglect, discrimination, and human rights violations against persons with disabilities in Goa, accusing authorities and local bodies of failing to provide even basic support to vulnerable families.
In representations submitted to the South and North Goa Collectors, DRAG highlighted two separate cases from Shiroda and Saligao, claiming that persons with disabilities were allegedly living without access to essential facilities such as food, shelter, electricity, water, clothing, and medical aid.
The association said the affected families were also unable to benefit from welfare schemes, including assistance from the Directorate of Social Welfare Services (DSS) and housing repair support.
Questioning the functioning of the administration, DRAG asked why such cases allegedly went unnoticed despite the presence of Panchayat Secretaries, Swayampurna Mitras, field workers, and outreach initiatives like Sarkar Tumchya Dari.
In another complaint addressed to the North Goa Collector, DRAG alleged that a person with disability from Saligao had been facing untreated sewage discharge outside his residence for the last two years, despite repeated complaints to the local panchayat and health department.
The organisation has demanded immediate suspension of the Shiroda and Saligao Panchayat Secretaries and sought urgent relief for the affected individuals.
DRAG has also taken up the matter with the Goa Human Rights Commission seeking intervention into the alleged violations.
The statement was issued by DRAG President Avelino de Sa.
