PANAJI
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel has highlighted the need for accessible infrastructure in the State while drawing attention to the practices followed by other nations in designing inclusive roads and footpaths.
Speaking at a sensitization workshop for engineers and architects of the Public Works Department (PWD), Goel stressed the department's crucial role in creating smooth mobility for people with disabilities and all pedestrians.
“Other countries have designed their roads and footpaths to be accessible and friendly for people with disabilities. Being the number one State in the country in terms of per capita income, Goa should set an example for others. We all will become persons with disabilities when we reach a certain age. We all need those roads that are smooth and accessible for everyone,” he said.
The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, organised the two-day workshop with the aim of creating awareness and understanding about the needs and rights of people with disabilities in terms of accessibility and inclusivity of infrastructure facilities in the State.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar discussed provisions that require access to various infrastructure facilities in the State. He said that they have received positive feedback from people with disabilities who use services like buses and schools after conducting sensitisation workshops.
“We are implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which is about ensuring the dignity and equality of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. The act mandates that we make our infrastructure facilities accessible and inclusive for everyone, whether it is building, road, beach, or any other activity. The government is committed to this cause and has organised events like Purple Fest to celebrate the diversity and potential of people with disabilities,” he said.
The workshop helped the participants learn about the rights of persons with disabilities in India, the legal and policy framework to implement them, and the best practices of universal design and accessibility. The workshop also included empathy-building exercises, technical audit exercises, and discussions on the current challenges and opportunities at the department level.
“The idea is not just to sensitise and take technical training and finish, but we will be hand-holding them further on as well. The final aim is to eventually create inclusive infrastructure in Goa,” said Kavita Murugkar, co-founder of Design Bridge Diversity and Inclusion Foundation.
