With more than 100 persons with disabilities reportedly taking up jobs in food delivery and courier service across India, it is learnt that the focus is to empower wheel-chair users to take up such employment opportunities in the state. It may be recalled that the Goa government announced significant reforms to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. In support of EV adoption, the Goa government has provided financial assistance, leading to a significant increase in the percentage of EV sales. In keeping with the slogan ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ the Goa government needs to also empower differently-abled persons with mobility issues by making available special e-vehicles so as to provide them with job opportunities. It is learnt that many wheel-chair users are unable to access desk jobs and hence by taking up unskilled jobs as delivery agents they can find opportunities in their localities and earn a living. The government needs to provide huge subsidies and even free of cost powered wheelchairs and e-scooters for people who have severe disabilities and who wish to seek employment but cannot obtain such vehicles due to the cost factor.
