Left behind: Disabled youth from Canacona fights for identity and dignity

Abel Barretto | Canacona

For 34-year-old Shanta Bisso Gauncar from Ziltawadi, Gaondongrem, life has been a long struggle — not just against his 100 per cent disability but also against a system that has failed to recognise his existence. Born into a poor ST family, Shanta has been denied government welfare benefits because he does not have an Aadhaar card.

Confined to his home and entirely dependent on his parents, Shanta’s world is one of quiet endurance. His father, Bisso, said the family has been running from pillar to post to secure the required documents. “We have tried everything, but every office turns us away. Without Aadhaar, we cannot even get his financial aid or ration,” he said.

Their appeals have fallen on deaf ears, despite court rulings that essential services cannot be denied for want of Aadhaar. “It’s as if my son doesn’t exist in government records,” Bisso said.

President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, Avelino D’sa said the association will approach the State Disability Commissioner to seek justice. “Schemes like Sarkar Tumchea Dari are meant to reach families like the Gauncars. Why has help not reached them? What are the Swayampurn Mitras and field workers doing?”

Canacona councillor Shubam Komarpant, who visited the family, said the case demands urgent attention. “The government must give top priority to the disabled in all welfare schemes. Shanta’s family doesn’t even have a proper toilet. It’s heartbreaking to see how they live,” he said.

Shanta lives with his two younger sisters — one works at a shop while the other is temporarily employed at the Balli health centre.

Seeking help, the distressed family has requested the government to adopt a friendly and helpful approach towards marginalised families and to understand the plight of households where a hundred per cent disabled person from a poor background is unable to visit government offices for identity purposes. “We don’t want sympathy,” said Bisso. “We just want our son to have his rightful identity and dignity.”