Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji
Goa’s first comprehensive door-to-door statewide survey of persons with disabilities (PwDs) has started in two talukas – Bicholim and Sanguem. Around 45 field workers have been hired to carry out the survey. It includes more than 90 questions covering areas such as education, life conditions, and other details.
“The door-to-door survey has started in Bicholim and Sanguem. We have deployed 45 field workers,
and the survey includes over 90 questions on life, education and related aspects,” an official from the department said.
The official added that the next phase of the audit is not yet finalised. The government had sanctioned
Rs 29.14 lakh for developing a software system to conduct the survey and monitor it in real time.
The official further said the survey is part of Goa’s first-ever comprehensive study of PwDs, to create an updated and detailed database covering all 21 categories of disabilities under
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, replacing the outdated 2011 census data.
The survey will use around 100 assessment parameters and geo-tagging technology. This
will help the government design better welfare schemes and improve services for PwDs across the state, the official added.
According to the 2011 survey, Goa had at least 33,000 persons with disabilities, when only seven types of disabilities were officially recognised. The new law now recognises 21 types. At present, the department has data on about 11,500 persons in Goa who have unique disability ID cards. This number is expected to change after the new survey.
The comprehensive survey will collect detailed information, including education level, family background, whether the disability was present at birth, and employment status. With geo-tagging, the department will be able to access data instantly and reach out to beneficiaries for jobs or schemes. Officials have urged families to cooperate with the survey teams and help provide correct information.
