Goa, Jan 22 (PTI): Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said that some people are born with disabilities due to the "mistake" and "negligence" of God.

"There are some brothers and sisters in the society, who are born with certain disabilities. God forgets to give them certain things. That is negligence on the part of God and for that the child has to suffer for entire life," Mr Parsekar said. He added that NGOs that focus on special needs are "rectifying the mistake committed by God."

The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration of a film festival on special needs and disability issues.

"DRAG strongly objects to this statement and clarified that if God has created a person disabled, it is to show people the power of God. Disabled people have more strength and will power and they are differently-abled, hence they are stronger than the normal people," said Avelino D'Sa, who heads the NGO that organized the event.

Last week, the Youth Affairs Minister of Goa announced that the government would create centres for the "treatment" of young LGBT people.

He retracted his statement after widespread criticism.