Amidst challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in association with Ramp My City and Enable India, has launched a very ambitious project to make several establishments, hotels and showrooms in Panaji accessible for persons with disabilities.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in the Government of Goa, said: “The Corporation of the City of Panaji has been collaborating with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to ensure appropriate access to the different footpaths that lead to these shops and establishments.”
He further highlighted the persistent challenge, citing incidents where ramps, originally intended for accessibility, were obstructed by parked vehicles in those designated spaces. “In one particular incident, a ramp’s cement area was disrupted by a parked motorcycle, resulting in unevenness. This occurred despite clear markings indicating the space was designated for the ramp,” he said.
Pawaskar said that incidents like these show the crucial need for increased awareness and following designated accessible spaces for the benefit of all individuals. “The process of change will take time, and the International Purple Fest serves as a means to raise public awareness, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. In the ongoing Smart City project, there’s a focused effort to ensure thorough consideration for accessibility,” he said.
He also mentioned that this year, the Legislative Assembly at Porvorim was made accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and several government buildings are actively installing ramps and adapting to become more disability-friendly for better accessibility.
Emphasising the commitment, Pawaskar added, “The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is at the forefront, driving efforts for maximum accessibility through state government initiatives and the invaluable support of CSR partners.”
