Goa: The Goa government has introduced special SSC and HSSC equivalent certification for people with intellectual disability. Important improvements in education and employment for people with disabilities (PwDs) were addressed and endorsed at a Mahalaxmi meeting presided over by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Starting from October 2025, special 10th-grade exams for those with intellectual disability will be held. To guarantee a fair and inclusive evaluation process, the format and structure of these tests will be modified to meet the learning requirements of these pupils.
ITI certificate to be recognised by the govt
A two-year ITI pass certificate is now recognised by the government as being equal to a 12th-grade diploma, which enables applicants to apply for government positions like Lower Division Clerk (LDS). For young people with impairments who have received vocational training, this ruling is anticipated to create additional job opportunities.
Reservation in jobs
The State Government intends to give people with disabilities a 2 percent reservation in positions like Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) and LDS in order to further promote inclusion. There was also support for loosening the percentage requirements for government employment applicants in the C category. Additionally, CM Sawant gave departments instructions to start creating PwD-specific positions in all government agencies.
Transport challenges
Recognising the transportation challenges faced by children with disabilities, the Government will provide 15 buses under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to 15 special schools across the state. Additionally, special grants will be extended to schools catering to students with disabilities to enhance their infrastructure and learning facilities.
Efforts to support persons with physical disabilities in pursuing higher education and skill development were also discussed, with an aim to create equal access at all levels of education and employment.
These actions, which are in line with the goal of a genuinely inclusive and accessible Viksit Goa 2037, demonstrate the Goan government's unwavering commitment to guaranteeing respect, opportunity, and assistance for all facets of society.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Higher Education Shri Bhushan Sawaikar, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, Director of Skill Development, Hon. Minister Shri Subhash Faldesai, and other high-ranking officials.
