The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, in collaboration with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Goa, and the Directorate of Panchayats, successfully organised a two-day sensitisation and awareness programme on “Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Empowering Panchayats for Inclusive and Accessible Villages.”
The programme for North Goa District was held on 2nd June 2026 at the Seminar Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim, while the programme for South Goa and (Kushavati) Districts was conducted on 3rd June 2026 at the Conference Hall, South Goa Collectorate, Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex, Margao.
The training programme was attended by Panchayat Secretaries and Field Workers of the Social Welfare Department from across Goa, with the objective of strengthening their understanding of disability rights and their role in creating inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible villages.
Addressing the participants, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, emphasised that Panchayat Secretaries are the backbone of grassroots governance and can play a crucial role in identifying and reaching persons with disabilities who have not yet been connected to government schemes and welfare services. He stressed that accessibility should be integrated into village planning and development from the outset and that while issuing occupancy certificates, Panchayats should ensure compliance with accessibility norms wherever applicable.
Taha Haaziq, Secretary, highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and urged Panchayats to actively involve persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and community development initiatives.
Dr. Mriselda Monteiro, Deputy Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, provided an overview of the Department’s initiatives and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between government departments and local bodies to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Prakash Kamat, former Senior Journalist, and State Advisory Board Member on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, spoke about the importance of community awareness, social inclusion, and the role of local self-governments in promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
The resource persons for the programme included Vishant Nagvekar, Mahadev Sawant, Gauresh Nagvekar, Rahul Konkalkar, Trupti Marathe, Brijendra Khatri, and Josephine Fernandes, Sign Language Interpreter.
The sessions focused on various accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities in villages and discussed practical solutions to make public spaces accessible. Participants were sensitised on the need to ensure accessibility in schools, Anganwadis, Panchayat offices, parks, playgrounds, temples, churches, community halls, hotels, markets, public toilets, roads, and other public places.
The resource persons highlighted key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and encouraged Panchayats to adopt inclusive practices in governance and service delivery. Discussions were also held on accessible communication, universal design, participation of persons with disabilities in village development, and the importance of creating barrier-free environments.
During the interactive sessions, participants were asked important questions regarding the participation of persons with disabilities in Gram Sabhas. Many shared that while some persons with disabilities attend Gram Sabha meetings, others are unable to participate due to inaccessible infrastructure, transportation difficulties, and social stigma. The discussions underscored the need for Panchayats to proactively encourage and facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in local governance.
Trupti Marathe explained the various schemes and welfare measures implemented by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, including educational assistance, skill development programmes, employment opportunities, assistive devices, and higher Suport need schemes.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from Panchayat Secretaries and Field Workers, who actively engaged in discussions and shared experiences from their respective villages. Participants appreciated the practical nature of the training and suggested that similar programmes should also be conducted for Panchayat Members and elected representatives, as they have direct contact with persons with disabilities in their villages and can play a vital role in ensuring their inclusion and empowerment.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment to work towards creating accessible, inclusive, and disability-friendly villages across Goa, ensuring that every person with disability can participate in community life with dignity, equality, and independence.
