Tag: Subhash Phaldessai

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.

Human Interest

Atal Asra Yojna Camp Empowers Poriem Constituency with On-the-Spot Housing Assistance

allycaralgoa

A special camp under the Atal Asra Yojna was successfully conducted on May 27, 2025, at the Valpoi Municipality Hall in Sattari Taluka, Goa. Organized exclusively for beneficiaries from the Poriem Constituency, the initiative was aimed at streamlining the delivery of housing repair assistance, resolving documentation issues, and fast-tracking pending applications under the scheme.

The event was graced by key dignitaries including Shri Subhash Phaldessai, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, and Dr. Deviya Rane, Hon’ble MLA of Poriem Constituency. Also in attendance were Smt. Sanjana Bandekar, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Smt. Prasanna Gawas, Chairperson of Valpoi Municipality, and several local leaders including Sarpanchs, Panch Members, and senior officials such as the Block Development Officer, Mamlatdar, and Deputy Collector of Sattari Taluka.

This proactive outreach camp was designed to support the direct submission of applications, review of documents, and the processing of files for fund approval on the spot. The initiative ensured that applicants who had previously faced delays due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork were given immediate assistance, allowing them to move forward in the application process without further bureaucratic obstacles.

Speaking at the camp, Hon’ble Minister Shri Subhash Phaldessai emphasized the importance of taking welfare schemes directly to the people. “The Atal Asra Yojna stands as a beacon of support for the underprivileged sections of our society. Through such camps, we are simplifying processes and ensuring that no deserving beneficiary is left behind. I commend the efforts of Dr. Deviya Rane for ensuring every family in Poriem has access to housing dignity,” he said.

Dr. Deviya Rane, MLA of Poriem, reiterated the importance of accessible housing. “Housing is a basic right, and through the Atal Asra Yojna, we are committed to reaching out to every family that needs support. I urge all eligible beneficiaries to make full use of this scheme. I thank the Department of Social Welfare for this proactive initiative and assure our continued support in driving welfare efforts at the grassroots,” she shared.

The Atal Asra Yojna, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, offers financial assistance of ₹1,50,000 to economically weaker households for the repair and renovation of existing homes. The scheme plays a crucial role in promoting housing security and improved living conditions for underprivileged families across the state.

The Poriem camp is a shining example of the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance. It not only accelerated the pace of welfare delivery but also built trust among the people by reducing red tape and making the process more transparent and efficient.

As a result of the camp, numerous applications were either newly submitted or cleared for funding. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the immediate assistance they received, making the event a model for similar initiatives in other constituencies.

This camp marks an important milestone in making welfare schemes more accessible and actionable. It underscores the Goa government’s vision to bring governance closer to the people and ensure that essential services reach every household in need.