In a significant step towards improving accessibility and mobility for children with disabilities a new school bus was donated to Aastha’s Anand Niketan School for Children with Disabilities, Khorlim, Mapusa. The bus has been procured through MPLAD Funds provided by the Government of India.
The handing-over ceremony was held at Aastha’s Centre of Excellence for Persons with disabilities and was attended by Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, President of Aastha Siddhesh Kotkar , Secretary Dr. Chandrasekhar Kelkar, Manager Rajesh Khedekar, Members Vrinda Moye , Sumedh Naik, Paresh Revankar and Tanvi Joshi Samant who graced the occasion.
The addition of the new bus is expected to significantly enhance transportation support for students with disabilities from parts of North Goa especially from Bardez Taluka and surrounding areas to access specialised education and rehabilitation services offered by the institution.
Due to an increase in number of students who needed transportation and assistance to be able to access special educational facilities, the initiative to acquire the school bus was taken up by MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade.
Speaking at the event, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, MP (Rajya Sabha), highlighted the importance of ensuring equal access to education and opportunities for children with disabilities.
“Access to education begins with access to opportunity. Reliable transportation is often the first step in ensuring that children with disabilities can attend school regularly and participate fully in society. I am pleased that MPLAD funds could contribute towards this initiative, which will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and their families,” said Tanavade
Addressing the gathering,Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, commended the institution’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment. “Mobility is closely linked to dignity, independence and inclusion. This new bus is much more than a vehicle; it is a bridge that connects children with education and equal opportunities for growth. Initiatives such as these strengthen our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities,” Pawaskar stated.
The management of Aastha’s Anand Niketan expressed gratitude for the efforts in procurement of the bus and reiterated its commitment to providing quality education, care and support services to children with disabilities.
