One centre will be set up in North and another in South Goa
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurates the cultural programme “Umang” for special children at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim on Saturday.
BICHOLIM
Addressing the long-standing concern of parents about the future care of their children with special needs, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the state government will soon introduce an ambitious scheme titled “Divyang Ghar.” The initiative aims to provide long-term care and support for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the cultural programme “Umang” for special children at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim, the Chief Minister said that under the initial phase of the project, two centres will be set up—one in North Goa and another in South Goa.
Sawant said that parents of special children often worry about who will take care of their children after them or when they become elderly and are unable to provide proper care. The proposed Divyang Ghar centres will address this concern by offering residential facilities where trained staff will look after the needs of persons with disabilities. He added that the centres will function on the lines of old-age homes, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the managements of special schools across the state to cooperate with the government in implementing the scheme successfully.
Around 500 children from various special schools across Goa participated in the “Umang” programme, which featured cultural performances and competitions showcasing the talents of special children. The event was organised by Narayan Zantye School for Special Children, run by Keshav Seva Sadhana, in collaboration with Rajshree Creations.
Among those present were MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, President Sagar Shetye, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Paresh Naik, Sanjana Prabhudessai, Makarand Kamat, Siddhi Prabhu and Dayanand Boryekar, along with several other dignitaries.
Highlighting the government’s focus on empowering persons with disabilities, Dr. Sawant said efforts are being made to identify the hidden talents of special children and provide them with skill-based education. To support this, the government plans to establish special Industrial Training Institute (ITI) centres, for which provisions have been made in the state budget. He also said that the government intends to set up one ITI centre for every two to three talukas.
Earlier, Makarand Kamat briefed the gathering about the programme, which concluded in the evening after a series of activities and performances by students from special schools across the state.
