GURUGRAM (India CSR): Hyundai Motor India’s Samarth Accessibility Metric is driving a significant shift towards inclusive infrastructure by enabling governments and institutions to systematically assess and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. With Goa becoming the first state to adopt the framework, the initiative is setting new benchmarks in accessibility across public spaces and the hospitality sector. This move is expected to enhance mobility, promote equal participation, and encourage wider adoption of inclusive standards, contributing to a more accessible and equitable society.
With this adoption, Goa becomes the first state in India to formally come on board for Samarth Accessibility Metric. The metric has been adopted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, marking a strong institutional endorsement of the framework. Hotel Vivanta, Panjim accepted Samarth Accessibility Metric and became the first hotel to be given Silver (Tier) Rating setting a benchmark for accessibility in the hospitality sector and building inclusive public and tourism infrastructure.
Celebrating the meaningful milestone, Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Through Samarth by Hyundai initiative, our endeavour has always been to foster a more inclusive society by enhancing accessibility and independence for persons with disabilities. The adoption of the Samarth Accessibility Metric by the Government of Goa is a significant step in extending accessibility into everyday environments. We hope this initiative encourages wider adoption across states and institutions in the journey towards a more inclusive future.”
Commenting on this pioneering achievement, Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of PwDs, Govt. of Goa, said, “Goa is proud to partner with Hyundai in adopting and implementing the Samarth Accessibility Metric (SAM). As a state that has consistently championed disability inclusion, which is exemplified by initiatives like the International Purple Fest – we are honoured to be the first to embark on this self-auditing journey with SAM. I encourage other states to join this transformative effort toward building an accessible and inclusive India for Persons with Disabilities.”
Resonating with this sentiment was Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for PwDs, Govt. of Goa, who added, “I think PPP- Public Private Partnership is the key. Government on its own will not be able to deliver because the scope is wide. It is a huge job to be done on the ground when we talk about accessibility. So, players like Hyundai and initiatives like Samarth must be implemented, must be replicated in other states.”
The milestone was celebrated at the Samarth Accessibility Metric Workshop conducted by Dr. Anjlee Agarwal, Founder & Executive Director, Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility, Author, Samarth Accessibility Metric. The workshop was hosted at Hotel Vivanta, Panjim, Goa, in the esteem presence of Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, along with over 16 hospitality groups and hotels.
(India CSR)
