Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has praised the establishment of the state’s Divyang Department as a landmark move toward improving the lives of differently abled individuals. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ADIP Assessment Camp, Sawant highlighted the department’s creation as a key outcome of the International Purple Festival, positioning Goa as a leader in disability welfare. He also commended Social Welfare Minister Subhash Faldessai for his dedicated efforts in this sector.
Between May 20 and June 2, 2025, the Goa government conducted Assessment Camps across all talukas under the Swayampurna Goa 2.0 and Inclusive Goa initiatives. These camps were designed to identify and assist eligible persons with disabilities (PwDs) by providing them with free aids and assistive devices under the central ADIP Scheme. More than 11,800 PwDs were reached out to and informed about the camps. To qualify, individuals needed to have at least 40% disability (verified by a UDID certificate), a monthly income under ₹22,500, valid Aadhaar and address proof, and no prior receipt of similar assistance in the last three years (or one year for children under 18 for specific items).
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The camps addressed a variety of disabilities, including locomotor, visual, hearing, and intellectual or developmental challenges. Chief Minister Sawant emphasized that Goa’s focused and inclusive approach, along with its dedicated Divyang Department, has set a new standard for disability welfare in India, underscoring the state’s commitment to empowering the differently abled community.
