PANAJI
Ahead of its inauguration on January 6, Purple Fest organizers on Monday said that the capital city will have barrier-free access for persons with disabilities even after the three-day fest concludes on January 8.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar said that ongoing works at Inox Courtyard, Maquinez Palace, and Old GMC will see long-term benefits to people.
The buildings have already been made accessible for persons with disabilities as the event approaches closer.
“Purple Fest is not an end in itself. We will consider this event as a means to being able to enable dignity to persons with disabilities and ease their lives,” he said.
The initiatives also include the provision of portable ramps to all buildings, tactile and Braille signages, handrails, and tactile maps for persons with visual impairment, improvement in accessible toilet facilities, wheelchair parking spaces in auditoriums, etc.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who will deliver the keynote address, has constituted a committee headed by an Apex Court judge to conduct an audit of “physical and functional access” of top court premises to make it disabled-friendly.
Pawaskar believes that the Fest will serve as a platform to create awareness among the Central and State authorities on accessibility as well as for the government to act in a rightful manner.
“During Purple Fest, representatives from various states will witness first-hand how we need to be more sensitive towards PwD and work actively towards inclusion. Goa is an example, and I have personally asked for various changes, including special departments for PwD. I am hopeful that the government will act soon,” he added.
In the Sports category, Pawaskar stated that Para sports lacks promotion in Goa but at Purple Fest, it will have exposure.
“The event will be an eye opener to frame and implement a Disability Sports Policy in Goa. Most state swimming pools and sports stadiums are still not accessible. We expect the policy to be in place after this event,” he said.
