Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with Goa Miles, today launched a new fleet of accessible eRickshaws for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Goa.
This initiative aims to enhance mobility and independence for PwDs, promoting a more inclusive environment across the state. Rohan Harmalkar from Mandrem was handed over Neomotion electric wheelchair bike at the hands of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai. Ten PwDs beneficiaries namely Santosh, Ashok Desai, Amol Devidas, Solan Godinho, Paul Lobo, Domingos Goes, Shrikant Gaonkar, Ruki Ahmed, Silvestra Gracias, Kamlakant, Vijaykumar Chari received eRickshaws at a distribution event held today.
This launch follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Goa Miles on August 6, 2024. The partnership focusses on creating sustainable livelihoods for PwDs by providing access to economic opportunities. Goa Miles will support beneficiaries through training, business opportunities, advertising services, and revenue generation mechanisms.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Varsha Naik, Director, DEPwD; Utkarsh Dabhade, Founder, Goa Miles, Secretary SCPwD Taha Haaziq, were also present.
“Our government is dedicated to creating a Goa where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can move freely and live with dignity,” said Phal Dessai. “The launch of these accessible eRickshaws reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing the necessary resources for PwDs to lead independent lives. This distribution is a small but significant step towards ensuring PwDs in Goa can fully participate in all aspects of life.”
“The Office of the Commissioner has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, working to identify community needs and advocate for effective solutions. The accessible eRickshaws directly address the daily challenges faced by PwDs in Goa. This initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to move freely and live with dignity in our state,” added Pawaskar.
The accessible eRickshaws are equipped with features designed to meet the specific needs of PwDs, ensuring comfortable and easy navigation throughout Goa. This initiative is part of a broader Goa government effort to improve accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces and services.
This event marks another milestone in Goa’s ongoing efforts to empower PwDs and integrate them into mainstream society, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
