A workshop on ‘Inclusiveness and Equality of persons with disability’ under the project Saksham in collaboration with GIPARD and DHE was organised by G.R. Kare College of Law, Margao, Goa. This one-day workshop was held at Parvatibai Chowgule college of Arts and Science (Autonomous) from 9:30 am to 4.00 pm on 6th of March 2023. The workshop focussed on possibilities of effectively countering prejudice and negative attitudes towards People With Disabilities (PWD’s) by means of co-operation between authorities, civil society and other stakeholders. This programme was coordinated by Mr. Sarpesh Devidas, Assistant professor at Kare College of law was attended by faculty from various South Goa colleges.
Ms. Roxanna Singh, Ms. Sajani D’Costa and Ms. Vinita D’Sa attended this workshop.
The programme began with an inaugural of the workshop during which the Principal of G.R. Kare College of Law, Prof. Dr. Saba Da Silva addressed the gathering and explained the aims and objectives of their project ‘Saksham’. The first session of the day, ‘Overview of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,2016’ by Assistant Professor Mr.S.N. Inavalli from VVM’s G.R. Kare College, familiarised us with the idea of disability and various kinds of disabilities. He spoke about creating awareness amongst the persons with disabilities about their rights under existing laws, policies, government schemes and entitlements. This was followed by a lecture on ‘State intervention in protection of the rights of persons with disabilities ‘by Prof. Dr. Saba Da Silva. After this talk, Mr. Harshad Bandodkar, Asst. Prof. at VVM’s G.R. Kare college, spoke on the Government policies /schemes and administrative support for PWD’S.
Post lunch, we had an interactive session with all the participants and we discussed in groups about challenges faced by PWD’s and various solutions and strategies that could be designed to ensure that the PWD’s enjoy life to their fullest.
Post tea break, a feedback form was distributed to the participants, after which there was a short valedictory ceremony. The programme was well organised and highlighted the role of all relevant stakeholders in raising awareness on disability.