Panaji: The central Government has recently approved a unique and state of art project Composite Regional Centre for Goa informed Minister for Empowerment & Social Welfare Shri Subhash Phaldesai and further thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the concerned Minister for the same.
Shri. Phaldesai was addressing a function organized by Sanjay Centre for Special Education to celebrate International Day for Persons With Disabilities at Porvorim yesterday. The Minister earlier along with other dignitaries watered a plant to mark the inauguration of the function. The theme of the celebration was ‘Rooted in Inclusion Blooming in Diversity.
The Minister speaking further said that this composite regional centre under one roof will provide all courses, training, education, rehab services for PwDs from Goa. He said differently abled people will have all opportunities to enhance their capacities and skills to enable them to earn their livelihood to live a dignified life which he said is a big achievement in Goa.
The Minister further complimented the Commissioner of Disability Commission, and the stakeholders of Department of Empowerment of PwDs for undertaking innovative initiatives for the benefit of the PwDs. Usually it has been seen that for betterment of disables donations are expected from others but here is something different a disable herself donated her earning for the cause of disables and he specially cited example of Miss Fredric Menezes who being disable had donated demand draft of 50000/- for various NGOs from Goa who are working for differently abled persons.
The Minister also said the organization International Purp;le Festival has proved revolutionary due to which various initiatives of Goa Government towards differently abled persons are recognised by the central Government world at large. The various NGOs which are working in the interest of differently abled persons are no doubt worthy of appreciation, he reiterated.
Commissioner, Goa State Commission far PwDs Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar in his address lauded the initiative of State Government towards setting up of Divyashya Kendra in Goa Medical college for enhancing accessibility and support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs),The Centre’s first Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) that will offer temporary and permanent assistive aids to the differently abled persons free of cost. The centre is a collaborative effort involving the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Goa State Health Department, Goa State Social Welfare Department, and the State Commission of Persons with Disabilities etc.
“Shri Pawaskar said that this is a crucial step towards creating an inclusive Goa, where 3000 PwDs are benefited as they have easy access to the aids and appliances required for independent living.
Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with disabilities Smt. Varsha Naik welcomed the dignitaries and thereafter presented mementoes to the dignitaries. The Minister Shri Phaldesai released a book on the National Para Swimming Tournament.
Miss. Fredrica Menezes Painter, author, poet donated demand drafts worth Rs, 50000/ each to various NGOS working in Goa for PwDs and also donated her paintings to the office of Disability Commission.
Secretary Department Empowerment for PwDs Shri E. Vallavan IAS, Sign Language Interpreter Miss Muskan Shaikh, Former Director, Jung National Institute of Hearing Disability Ali Yavar Dr. Raju Arakh, MMO Jung National Institute of Hearing Disability Shri Martin Mathew AO Dept. of Empowerment for PwDs Shri Pravin Chodankar, professionals, parents, performing artists and others attended the function.
Secretary Goa State Commission far PwDs Shri Taha Haziq proposed the vote of thanks.
