Goemkapronn desk
PANAJI: In a significant move to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, distributed accessible eRickshaws at a special event held today. A total of 12 accessible eRickshaws were distributed to 10 NGOs and special schools across Goa, marking a significant advancement in the state’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities. This initiative is designed to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive environment throughout the state.
The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries and officials, including the Minister for the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai, Ex-Chief Minister of Goa, Shri. Laxmikant Parsekar, Secretary, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri E Vallavan IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri. Guruprasad Pawaskar, Director, DEPwD, Smt Varsha Naik
Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, Shri. Ajit Panchwadkar, Secretary, SCPwD, Shri. Taha Haaziq. The occasion also saw participation from representatives from various disability advocacy groups, and members of the community all gathered to witness this important step towards greater accessibility and inclusion in Goa.
The accessible eRickshaws were distributed to a diverse group of NGOs and special schools dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities across Goa. The beneficiaries include Keshav Seva Sadhana, Caritas Goa, Street Providence, Gujarati Educational Trust for the Handicapped, Atmavishvas Special School, Aastha Anand Niketan Special School, Chetna Charitable Trust, Novi Survat, Disha School for Special Children and Harmal Panchakroshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai stated, “Our government is dedicated to creating a Goa where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can move freely and live with dignity. The launch of these accessible eRickshaws represents our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and providing the necessary resources for persons with disabilities to lead independent lives. The distribution of accessible eRickshaws is a small but significant step in ensuring that persons with disabilities in Goa have the necessary tools to participate fully in all aspects of life”.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guru Prasad Pawaskar, commented, “The Office of the Commissioner has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, working tirelessly to identify the needs of our community and advocate for solutions that truly make a difference. The introduction of accessible eRickshaws is a result of our commitment to enhancing the daily lives of persons with disabilities in Goa. This initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to move freely and live with dignity in our state.”
The accessible eRickshaws are equipped with features that cater to the specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring they can navigate the state’s roads with ease and comfort. This initiative is part of a broader push by the Goa government to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces and services.
