NT Reporter | Panaji
Within 24 hours of a report in ‘The Navhind Times’ highlighting that a Canacona youth living with disability had received no government support despite repeated attempts by his family, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Goa) sent the newly-launched ‘Divyang Rath’ to his home to assess his condition and begin assistance.
The report was published in the November 11 edition of The Navhind Times; the Divyang Rath reached the youth’s home on November 12.
Following an on-site inspection and clinical assessment, officials diagnosed the case as spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Therapeutic intervention has begun at the youth’s residence, with a customised exercise plan covering both upper-body and lower-body work to improve flexibility, reduce spasticity and support mobility.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar said, “Our mandate is prompt, person-centred action. The Divyang Rath was designed to bring assessment and basic rehabilitation to the doorstep of those who need it most. And that is exactly what happened in Canacona. We will continue to ensure the youth receives ongoing therapeutic care, access to entitlements and the support their family needs to help them thrive.”
The ‘Divyang Rath’ was launched during the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.
The Office and Department are coordinating with local healthcare and rehabilitation services to ensure follow-up visits, assistive-device assessment and linkage to government schemes for persons with disabilities. The Divyang Rath is also being sent to old-age homes run by Provedoria across the state to provide physiotherapy and other required interventions.
Anyone requiring home-based therapy may contact the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) on +91 82089 35103.
