Goa Government to Conduct Comprehensive Survey of Persons with Disabilities
Panaji : In a major step towards inclusive governance, the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in coordination with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, is set to undertake a Comprehensive Survey of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across the state.
The initiative is aimed at developing an accurate, up-to-date database of persons with disabilities, which will be instrumental in delivering targeted welfare schemes and formulating inclusive policies. Currently, the state depends on outdated data from the 2011 Census, which was based on the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 and accounted for only seven disability categories.
However, following the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the number of recognized disability categories has expanded to twenty-one. This survey is therefore essential to identify all eligible Divyangjan in the state and ensure their inclusion in various development and empowerment programs.
To carry out the survey, the Department has issued a tender via the Government of Goa’s e-tendering portal. The field-level work will be conducted by trained surveyors deployed across panchayats and municipal councils, under the supervision of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
This landmark initiative is expected to significantly enhance access to services, benefits, and opportunities for PwDs in Goa, paving the way for their active participation in the state’s socio-economic development.
