PANAJI
The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has said that many villages remain inaccessible to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), even a decade after the Disability Act came into force. It also noted that PwDs have still not been nominated to panchayat bodies, despite a delay of two years.
DRAG has demanded that all public places in villages be made accessible within six months. It has also urged the government to complete the nomination of PwDs to panchayat bodies by May 30, warning of legal action if its demands are not met.
In a statement, DRAG president Avelino de Sa said the State government has neglected PwDs and the elderly by failing to ensure basic access rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. He said this neglect continues despite significant spending on infrastructure and the absence of representation for PwDs in local decision-making.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Minister for Panchayats, and the Director of Panchayats, de Sa expressed concern that public places such as panchayat offices, markets, bus stands, footpaths and public toilets in villages are still not accessible.
He termed this a clear form of discrimination and a violation of the right to access guaranteed under Section 3 of the Act. DRAG has reiterated its demand for accessibility within six months, failing which it will approach the courts.
De Sa added that about 8 per cent of Goa’s population includes PwDs and others with limited mobility, such as the elderly and pregnant women, who would benefit from improved accessibility.
He also highlighted that a representation seeking PwD nominations to panchayats remains pending even after two years.
