PANAJI
It’s been over 10 months since the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) is defunct with the State government yet to appoint the new committee.
The term of the Commission’s Chairperson Peter Borges ended on May 19, 2024, followed by the expiry of its members’ tenure in the same month. However, despite the urgency of its role, the government is yet to reconstitute the panel.
According to the sources, the file for reconstituting the Commission has been pending with the government for approval since December, last year. “The file is pending with the government. The department is continuously following it up,” sources said.
Sources also confirmed that the department of Women and Child Development has recommended re-appointment of Borges as the chairman.
The defunct status of the Commission has also stalled several pending complaints and ongoing hearings.
In February, State reported three child abuse cases. While law enforcement agencies have acted swiftly in these cases, the absence of the GSCPCR has resulted in a complete lack of intervention, recommendations, or systemic redressal.
A 76-year-old Venkatesh Parab from Pernem was arrested for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl and outraging her modesty.
This same month saw the arrest of Paul Fonseca, a resident of Tivim, for allegedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. In another incident, a man from Canacona was taken into custody for reportedly assaulting a minor in her home.
In 2023, the Commission had flagged the alarming rise in crimes against minors seeking the urgent need for proactive child protection measures.
It had urged a multi-departmental approach to safeguard children and recommended formulating a State Child Protection Policy through the Directorate of Women and Child Development.
Moreover, several matters such as victim compensation for child abuse survivors, rise in substance abuse including e-cigarettes by children, delay in disposal of POCSO cases, support services for survivors, online safety and cyberbullying, amendments to Goa Children’s Act among other issues remain pending.
