Team Goemkarponn
Honda (Sattari): In a move aimed at promoting inclusive mobility, specially fitted side-wheel scooters were distributed to persons with disabilities at a function held in Honda Panchayat on Sunday. The initiative, facilitated by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), was funded by the North Goa District Mineral Foundation (NGDMF).
The event was attended by senior officials and local representatives, including Smt. Varsha Naik, Director of DEPwD; Shri Ratnakar Govenkar, Member Secretary of NGDMFT and Deputy Director of Mines & Geology; Shri Gauresh A. Pilgaonkar, Managing Director of GEDA; Shri Sanjeev S. Joglekar, Member Secretary, GEDA; Dr. Sachin Tendulkar, Team Lead, PMU; Dr. Mriselda Monteiro, Deputy Director, DEPwD; ZP Member Shri Sagun Wadkar; Smt. Devyani Gawas, Sarpanch of Honda; Shri Shivdas Madkar and other panchayat members from Honda; along with several Sarpanches from the Poriem Constituency.
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, under whose leadership the program was facilitated, stated that the initiative was “not just about mobility, but about empowering individuals, restoring dignity, and ensuring equal opportunity.”
“This is more than just transportation. It’s about building confidence and enabling individuals to take control of their own journeys. Our mission is to make every citizen Swabhimani (dignified), Swatantra (independent), and Swavalambi (self-reliant),” Rane said in a statement.
She also expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Shri Subhash Phaldessai for his continuous support and guidance in implementing the project.
The event marked a step forward in the state’s efforts to make Goa more inclusive and accessible for all, particularly persons with disabilities.
