PANAJI
The State government has expressed concern over the delayed census for the disability sector given that it hampers the allocation of budget that is necessary to effectively address their needs.
“The long-due census is one of the major concerns for the disability sector. In the absence of proper data, the allocation of the budget for the sector is never justified. The missing millions should be included in stats; the number is much higher than the present data available,”
Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phaldessai said while addressing a consultancy meeting on Thursday to discuss the status of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 in the western region of India.
Phaldessai further suggested that a larger disabled population is in villages which must be identified and addressed to reach the last mile development. “We have come a long way but there are miles to be covered,” he added.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, Guruprasad Pawaskar, emphasized the importance of such consultation to observe the legislation and prepare the vision for the entire disability sector.
“We care deeply about the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The NCPEDP consultancy meet was an essential opportunity for learning from each other, tackling challenges, and strengthening cooperation towards making employment opportunities more inclusive,” he said.
The day-long consultation extensively addressed several key issues related to disability inclusion such as challenges in disability-inclusive education, particularly concerning the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa in partnership with the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) had collaborated with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)-Mumbai to host the meet in Goa with an aim to provide a platform for dialogue, establish a way forward and promote the empowerment of people with disabilities in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Lakshadweep and Goa.
