The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Goa, inaugurated its new accessible office premises in the presence of the Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai, marking an important step towards strengthening accessibility, inclusion and citizen-centric service delivery in the state.
The inauguration was attended by Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Secretary, DEPwD; Varsha Naik, Director, DEPwD; Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Taha Haaziq, Secretary, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Shrikant Pednekar, Deputy Director, DEPwD; and Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director, SCERT, along with other officials, dignitaries, beneficiaries and representatives of organisations working in the field of disability.
The new office premises have been designed with a focus on accessibility, functionality and ease of service delivery, with the objective of creating a welcoming and barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities and all citizens visiting the Department. The inauguration of the premises reflects the Department’s commitment towards ensuring that its services and facilities are accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of the official website of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The website is envisioned as a single, accessible digital platform through which citizens can access information relating to various schemes, benefits, UDID-related information, services and other assistance available to persons with disabilities. The website is expected to go live within the next 15 days.
The Citizen Charter of the Department was also formally launched during the programme. The Citizen Charter is aimed at providing citizens with clear information about the services and assistance offered by the Department while strengthening transparency, accountability and responsive service delivery.
The programme further included the felicitation of beneficiaries under the Divyang Bandhan Yojana and the High Support Needs Scheme, recognising the Department’s efforts towards providing support and assistance to persons with disabilities and their families.
Individuals and officials who have made valuable contributions towards the cause of disability inclusion and the development of the Department were also recognised during the programme. Adv. Krunal Thakur was felicitated in recognition of his achievements and contribution towards disability advocacy. The occasion also acknowledged the support and contribution of Praveen Volvotkar, Managing Director, ITG, as well as the contractor and officials associated with the establishment and early functioning of the Department.
The achievements of the Wheelchair Cricket Team were also recognised during the programme, with the team receiving a cash award in appreciation of their dedication, perseverance and sporting excellence from Hon’ble Minsiter. Their achievements serve as an inspiration and demonstrate that opportunity and inclusion can enable persons with disabilities to excel in every sphere.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote accessibility, dignity, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities. With accessible infrastructure, digital initiatives and citizen-focused services, the Department continues its endeavour to build a more inclusive Goa where every person can participate, contribute and thrive with dignity and independence.
