Announced at Purple Fest launch, CM says initiative aims to boost access to jobs
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveils literature on International Purple Fest 2025 in the presence of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai at a media briefing in Mantralaya, Porvorim on Thursday.
Photo Credits: DIP Goa
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the State government is considering issuing skill certificates to intellectually disabled students that would be equivalent to Class X and XII qualifications.
Speaking at a press conference to unveil details of the upcoming International Purple Fest 2025, Sawant said the proposal is to ensure that persons with intellectual disabilities can access job reservations and other government benefits.
“The final decision will be taken after consultations with the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, the Education Department, and the Directorate of Technical Education,” he added, explaining the move aligns with the State’s vision for “Inclusive Goa 2030” and the national development goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Highlighting Goa’s leadership in promoting inclusion, Sawant described the Purple Fest as “a global movement that shifts the focus from sympathy to empathy, and from awareness to action.”
“Goa’s model is now being adopted by other states, and last year’s event saw participation from over 15 countries. We are building a model of inclusion that others are now replicating,” he said, adding that this year’s edition has partnered with the United Nations and the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai called the Purple Fest “a jan andolan,” or people’s movement. “Inclusion must be the starting point when planning policies and infrastructure. Accessibility is not a favour, it is a fundamental right,” he said.
The International Purple Fest 2025 will be held in Goa from October 9 to 12, with the theme “Think Inclusive — Advancing Inclusion through Universal Design for Everyone.” The event will feature interactive zones, design challenges, and conferences with a special focus on rural inclusion.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar said this year’s edition will go beyond awareness. “It brings visibility to the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. With a focus on rural voices, we aim to shape policies rooted in real needs.”
The festival will also include exhibitions, cultural performances, and wellness activities among others.
