Tag: inclusive development

Social

Aamir Khan Meets Minister Subhash Phal Dessai to Support Purple Fest & Disability Inclusion

Tanisha Cardozo

Hon’ble Minister Shri Subhash Phal Dessai recently engaged in a productive and meaningful conversation with one of India’s most respected film personalities, Mr. Aamir Khan, to discuss the upcoming Purple Fest and the broader vision for empowering Persons with Disabilities. The meeting marked a significant convergence of government initiative and influential advocacy, setting the tone for impactful collaborations.

Mr. Aamir Khan, often hailed as the “Mr. Perfectionist” of Indian cinema, is known for pushing creative and social boundaries through his films. With titles such as Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal under his belt, Khan has long used his platform to raise awareness about critical societal issues. His alignment with the goals of the Purple Fest — a unique celebration dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility — is both timely and inspiring.

During the interaction, Minister Phal Dessai shared insights into the various programs being implemented to ensure greater inclusion and support for Persons with Disabilities in Goa and beyond. He emphasized that platforms like Purple Fest are not merely celebratory events but catalysts for long-term change and awareness. The Minister expressed optimism that with Mr. Khan’s encouragement and visibility, these efforts would gain wider reach and deeper resonance across the country.

Aamir Khan expressed genuine interest and support for the mission, reiterating the importance of community participation, systemic inclusion, and dignity for all citizens regardless of ability. His involvement is expected to bring nationwide attention to the festival and reinforce the message of inclusive development.

The collaboration between thought leaders in governance and culture reflects a shared commitment to building a society that leaves no one behind. As preparations for the Purple Fest gather momentum, this meeting is a promising sign of the impactful conversations and actions yet to come.

Social

Department of ITE&C Distributes Laptops to Tribal Students at Sanguem Empowerment Camp

allycaralgoa

Sanguem, July 3, 2025: Supporting the Government of Goa’s inclusive governance drive, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte spearheaded digital inclusion efforts at the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp held in Sanguem, as part of the nationwide “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan” — India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

As part of the initiative, the Department of ITE&C distributed 22 laptops to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities for the academic year 2023–24, empowering them with tools for education and digital learning.

Organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp brought together multiple state departments to deliver welfare schemes, health services, and digital support directly to tribal citizens.

The camp was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The dignitaries marked the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the event. The gathering was also graced by several other dignitaries, including Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Ho’ble Minister for Social Welfare; Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA of Sanvordem Constituency and Chairman of GTDC, among others.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) highlighted how technology is being used to promote inclusive development across tribal regions of Goa. The department showcased its digital initiatives aimed at expanding access, including free laptops for meritorious ST/SC students, ICT training for youth and homemakers under the ITKC Program, and the Goa Online and Gramin Mitra platforms that collectively provide over 200 essential e-services across the state.

Officials also shared updates on the Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0 efforts, which are expanding 4G and broadband infrastructure in rural areas, enabling better access to education, employment, and public services.

In addition, the department set up a stall at the camp, where officials engaged in one-on-one interactions with community members, explaining various digital schemes, government e-services, and the long-term benefits of digital literacy.

Beyond digital empowerment, the camp provided free health screenings and on-site welfare support, including, Free routine screenings, breast and TB check-ups, dental assessments, and PMJAY health card registrations were conducted on-site, creating an integrated service delivery model that prioritizes both connectivity and care.

This initiative forms part of the national observance of 150 years of Janjatiya Gaurav, honouring the heritage, resilience, and contributions of India’s tribal communities.

The success of the event reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to tribal welfare, inclusive growth, and digitally enabled governance, paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.

Human Interest

Dharavi to Emerge as a Business Growth Centre While Ensuring ‘Housing for All’: Project CEO

allycaralgoa

June 2024 | Mumbai, India
In a bold and progressive vision, the CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has reaffirmed that the transformation of Asia’s largest informal settlement is not just about urban renewal — it’s about inclusive growth, economic upliftment, and protecting livelihoods.

The redevelopment of Dharavi, a densely populated hub in the heart of Mumbai, aims to strike a delicate but crucial balance: “Housing for all” without displacing the informal economy that sustains hundreds of thousands.

Often recognized globally as a symbol of poverty and overcrowding, Dharavi is now being re-envisioned as a future business growth centre, thanks to its existing entrepreneurial spirit.

“Dharavi is not just a residential zone — it’s a thriving economic ecosystem. The goal is not to erase it, but to enhance it,”
said the project’s CEO during a recent press briefing.

Home to over 12,000 micro-industrial units, including leather workshops, recycling plants, food production, and textiles, Dharavi generates billions in informal economic output. The new plan will integrate these cottage industries into a formal, well-planned urban grid, complete with infrastructure, compliance frameworks, digital access, and market linkages.

The cornerstone of the redevelopment vision is “housing for all” — with special provisions to offer free or subsidized housing to eligible residents and slum dwellers who have lived in Dharavi since the 2000 cut-off.

Each unit will be self-contained, equipped with proper sanitation, electricity, clean water, and access to community spaces. Importantly, the resettlement is being designed within Dharavi itself, ensuring residents do not lose their social fabric or proximity to their workplaces.

The CEO emphasized that redevelopment is not a demolition drive, but a carefully phased transformation. Many of the businesses currently operating from congested and unsafe buildings will be relocated into designated industrial clusters within the new plan.

These clusters will offer:

  • Better infrastructure
  • Safety and hygiene compliance
  • Formal recognition
  • Access to financing and digital platforms

This model is meant to preserve employment, encourage entrepreneurship, and unlock Dharavi’s full economic potential.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is being executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with Adani Realty as the lead developer and the Government of Maharashtra overseeing policy compliance and rehabilitation.

“This is not just a construction project — it’s a social and economic transformation,”
the CEO said. “We are committed to ensuring that no one’s livelihood is sacrificed at the altar of modernization.”

With over 650 acres of prime urban land, Dharavi is poised to become one of India’s most ambitious and socially conscious redevelopment stories. The vision is not just to build high-rises but to build futures — where the residents of Dharavi can live with dignity, work with stability, and grow with opportunity.

The project is expected to roll out in phases, with community engagement, livelihood mapping, and infrastructure groundwork forming the core of the initial phase.

As Mumbai continues to expand, the Dharavi redevelopment project stands as a template for inclusive urban growth — proving that it’s possible to modernize without marginalizing, and to develop without displacing.