Directive issued after threat of legal action over lack of accessible public infrastructure
PANAJI
The Panchayat Department has directed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure the nomination of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in every Village Panchayat by May 30 and make all public places under panchayat jurisdiction accessible to PwDs within six months.
The move follows repeated representations and an ultimatum from the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), which warned of legal action if accessibility rules were not implemented within the given time.
In a memorandum issued yesterday, the Directorate of Panchayats instructed BDOs to ask all Village Panchayat Secretaries to discuss the issue during fortnightly meetings and take urgent corrective steps. The directive refers to provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, especially Sections 3, 40 and 44, stressing the need to protect the dignity and accessibility rights of persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The circular also refers to an earlier government decision taken after a State Advisory Board meeting in March 2023.
The board had recommended that at least one eligible person with disability be nominated in each Village Panchayat to deal with disability-related issues at the local level. BDOs have now been told to ensure such nominations wherever eligible candidates are available.
A separate memorandum dated September 29, 2025, had already outlined the framework for these nominations and directed Panchayats to implement the advisory board’s decision.
Earlier, DRAG had written to Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, pointing out the continued lack of accessibility in basic public infrastructure in villages, including panchayat offices, markets, bus stands, libraries and public toilets. The organisation said these barriers continue despite provisions under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and large public spending on rural infrastructure.
The group had warned that failure to ensure accessibility within six months could lead to legal action and protests. It also urged authorities to complete the nomination of persons with disabilities to panchayat bodies at the earliest, saying such representation is important for inclusive local governance.
The association has also appealed to eligible persons with disabilities interested in being nominated to panchayat bodies to come forward and contact the organisation.
