Amid challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has launched an ambitious project to make several establishments, hotels and showrooms in Panjim accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The project is being organised in association with Ramp My City and Enable India.
The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, said that the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has been collaborating with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to ensure appropriate access to footpaths that lead to various shops and establishments.
He further highlighted the persistent challenges, citing incidents where ramps, originally intended for accessibility, were obstructed by parked vehicles in those designated spaces.
“In one particular incident, a ramp’s cemented section was damaged 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 such as 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," he said.
"In the ongoing Smart City project, there’s a focused effort to ensure thorough consideration for accessibility,” he added.
He also mentioned that this year, the Legislative Assembly at Porvorim was made accessible to persons with disabilities, 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.”
