Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Announces Major Budget Boost for Disability Empowerment
In a significant move to enhance support for persons with disabilities, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the state's finance portfolio, allocated Rs 30 crore to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities during his budget speech on Friday. This allocation includes Rs 1.5 crore specifically earmarked for capital expenditure, underscoring the government's commitment to long-term infrastructure and resource development for this community.
New Schemes Unveiled for Education and Skill Development
Chief Minister Sawant introduced several innovative schemes aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities. The 'Equivalence Certificate for Class X for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities' is a groundbreaking initiative that will grant a Class X equivalent grade to individuals upon completion of three years of structured training. This scheme is designed to open up new avenues for skill development and employment, providing a formal educational recognition that can significantly enhance future career opportunities.
Additionally, the Divyaang Kaushalya Yojana targets people with disabilities above the age of 18. Under this scheme, participants will be admitted to workshops where they will receive skill-based training, enabling them to lead independent lives through gainful employment. This initiative focuses on practical, hands-on learning to build self-sufficiency and economic stability.
Advanced Support for Mobility and Autonomy
Another key announcement was the Samatva Yojana, which aims to provide high-functioning modular orthopaedic and prosthetic limbs to restore full autonomy to persons with disabilities. Chief Minister Sawant detailed that modular artificial organs will be offered at costs ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh, making advanced mobility aids more accessible. This scheme is expected to improve quality of life by enhancing physical capabilities and promoting greater independence.
Infrastructure and Environmental Initiatives
Beyond financial allocations, Sawant proposed the establishment of a dedicated home for persons with disabilities, to be set up in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation. This facility will provide residential support and care, addressing the need for safe and inclusive living spaces. Furthermore, he announced plans to create a barrier-free environment at a prominent location in the state, ensuring that public spaces are more accessible and inclusive for all individuals with disabilities.
These comprehensive measures reflect Goa's proactive approach to disability empowerment, combining financial investment with practical schemes to foster education, skill development, and improved living conditions. The initiatives are poised to make a tangible impact on the lives of persons with disabilities across the state.
