Narendra Kashyap, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Backward Classes Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, visited two premier institutions working in the field of disability welfare and empowerment during his visit to Goa, underscoring the importance of inter-state collaboration towards building a more inclusive society.
The Minister commenced his visit at Aastha’s Centre of Excellence for Persons with Disabilities, Mapusa, where he was welcomed by Secretary, Dr. Chandrashekar Kelkar. The Centre, established under the aegis of Aastha’s Anand Niketan, offers a range of therapeutic, rehabilitation, and vocational services aimed at empowering persons with disabilities. During an extensive tour of the facility, Kashyap interacted with staff and others appreciated the institution’s approach towards rehabilitation and empowerment.
“This is one of the finest facilities of its kind that I have seen which we lack in UP,” remarked Kashyap while commending the Centre’s commitment to providing quality services and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Minister also visited the Sanjay Centre for Special Education, where he was received by Chairman Siddharth Kuncolienkar. During the visit, he was briefed about the illustrious history of the institution, and educational facilities offered to children and young adults with special needs. He appreciated the institution’s longstanding contribution towards inclusive education and skill development for persons with disabilities in Goa.
As part of his itinerary, Kashyap also visited the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), where he was welcomed by Director Varsha Naik and State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar.
The Minister was apprised of the various welfare initiatives, schemes, and programmes being implemented by the Government of Goa for the empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Director Varsha Naik presented about the various innovative schemes launched for Persons with Disabilities and various programmes which are managed and run by the department.
Kashyap praised Goa’s progressive approach towards disability welfare and highlighted the need for greater collaboration between states. He also shared insights into several innovative initiatives being undertaken by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and expressed confidence that Goa and Uttar Pradesh could work together to exchange best practices and develop stronger, more effective policies and programmes for persons with disabilities.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities said: “The visit of Narendra Kashyap provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange best practices between our states. Goa and Uttar Pradesh have both undertaken significant initiatives for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, and such interactions help us learn from one another. We look forward to exploring collaborative approaches that further enhance inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for persons with disabilities.”
