Towards ensuring the inclusion and economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Goa, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Goa Miles signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 6, 2024. Under the banner of Inclusive Goa this initiative sees the launch of the purple E-Rickshaw, which will operated through the portal of Goa Miles.
The signing of this MoU between the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Goa Miles marks a significant step towards empowering persons with disabilities.
Present on the occasion were Minister for Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai, Secretary Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, E. Vallavan IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Secretary, Taha Haaziq, Managing Director Goa Miles, Utkarsh Sudhir Dabhade and other officials of Goa Miles.
Speaking about the launch of E-Rickshaws through the portal of Goa Miles, Phal Dessai stated: “This collaboration ensures that they not only have sustainable means to earn a livelihood but also the independence to move around without relying on others.Together, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive with dignity and independence.”
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar stated: “We are committed to enriching the lives of persons with disabilities by ensuring greater accessibility and inclusivity in every aspect of their daily lives. The signing of the MoU with Goa Miles marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts. This collaboration will provide persons with disabilities with enhanced mobility options, empowering them to navigate the state with greater ease and dignity. We believe that this partnership will lead to better experiences and a more inclusive Goa for all.”
To facilitate this initiative, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities will provide specially designed E-rickshaws equipped with accessibility features. Ownership of these E-Rickshaws will be transferred to Goa Miles, which will then allocate them to PwDs on a temporary basis for one year.The E-Rickshaws will exclusively operate on the GoaMiles app-based taxi hailing system which will provide efficient and reliable services to both beneficiaries and customers- PwDs.
Comprehensive training programs will be conducted by Goa Miles to equip the drivers with the necessary skills to operate the E-Rickshaws effectively. Besides, Goa Miles will develop tailored business models to empower PwDs and their families.
