Government Printing Press Bags National Award For Barrier Free Environment

The Directorate of Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa has been selected for National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2010 for outstanding work in the creation of barrier–free environment for the persons with disabilities.
The award was presented by the President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on December 3, 2010.

The Government Printing Press was established during Portuguese regime and is the oldest institution in the printing field not only in the country but also in Asia. Even though the location of Government Printing Press offers little scope for remodeling, several measures were taken to make the heritage building accessible for persons with disabilities under the able guidance of Minister for Printing and Stationery, Aleixo Sequeira and directorship of N. D. Agrawal. The facilities which created for disabled people include creation of barrier free environment putting handrails on both sides of staircase, signage boards in Braille, citizen charter in Braille and barrier free toilet, etc. It has set an example of providing accessibility to public services for persons with disabilities with sensitivity and effectiveness.