Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai along with beneficiaries of e-rickshaws.
PORVORIM
In a bid to enhance mobility and independence for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and to promote a more inclusive environment across the State, a new fleet of accessible e-rickshaws were handed over to 10 PwDs.
The event was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with GoaMiles.
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai handed over the vehicles to the 10 beneficiaries in the presence of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, DEPwD Director Varsha Naik, GoaMiles Founder Utkarsh Dabhade and SCPwD Secretary Taha Haaziq.
One PwD was handed over a Neomotion electric wheelchair bike on the occasion.
In his address, Phal Dessai said the launch of these accessible e-rickshaws reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing the necessary resources for PwDs to lead independent lives.
“Our government is dedicated to creating a Goa where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can move freely and live with dignity. This distribution is a small but significant step towards ensuring PwDs in Goa can fully participate in all aspects of life,” said Phal Dessai.
The minister stated that the e-rickshaws had been put to use during the recent Exposition at Old Goa, where PwDs had successfully operated 5,000 trips.
He informed that these e-rickshaws are being delivered free of cost to PwDs in different parts of Goa and their operation will be monitored by GoaMiles.
Pawaskar said the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities had been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, working to identify community needs and advocate for effective solutions.
The accessible e-rickshaws are equipped with features designed to meet the specific needs of PwDs, ensuring comfortable and easy navigation throughout Goa.
This launch follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and GoaMiles on August 6, 2024.
The partnership focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods for PwDs by providing access to economic opportunities. Goa Miles will support beneficiaries through training, business opportunities, advertising services, and revenue generation mechanisms.
