OLD GOA
Stating that his department has accepted the Levinson Martins report in toto, the Women and Child Development Minister said he would not take things lying down as far as Apna Ghar is concerned and try to bring in positive changes in the institution so that controversies and negative publicity are things of the past.
Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated institution of Apna Ghar at Merces on Monday, the minister said he would first try and understand what Apna Ghar is all about and also int
eract with the staff to get proper input of the ground reality.
"We are here to improve ourselves. Whatever improvement is needed, will be taken up. We will work in a transparent manner and keep the media informed on the same. On the negatives, we will try to understand and try to bring in positivity in Apna Ghar," he added.
"By becoming a minister and getting a portfolio doesn't make things easy. This portfolio is very sensitive, there are so many laws one has to understand," he stated and informed that he needs time to understand all issues before addressing them.
"The chief minister is also of the opinion that we must apply our mind and ensure that we involve more NGOs and people interested so that we are able to run this institution in a proper manner," he added while stating that interaction would be done with the state women's commission, organizations, committees involved and also the staff to understand various issues and problems.
Stating that the staff should remember that they have full support and backing, the minister however mentioned that it does not mean that cognizance would not be taken of what is happening here. "Don't think that we will come here, cut the ribbon and forget," he warned.
"Government is committed to see that a good environment is created for the children and at the same time see to it that all functional issues are resolved," he added.
Commenting on the project, the minister said it is beautifully built with a good environment created. "This project was conceptualized by the CM when he had held the portfolio earlier and he would have been happy to see the outcome," he stated while adding that the CM was supposed to inaugurate it.
GSIDC chairman Deepak Pawaskar, vice-chairman Siddharth Kuncalienkar, Women and Child Development Director Deepak Dessai also spoke on the occasion. WCD Deputy Director Shripad Arlekar, chief judicial magistrate Pooja Kavlekar and other dignitaries were present.
The upgradation project has come at a cost of around Rs 7 crore and includes separate wings for boys and girls. There is also a play area for toddlers and a recreational hall. All dormitories are provided with attached toilets. CCTVs have also been installed in common areas.
"We are here to improve ourselves. Whatever improvement is needed, will be taken up. We will work in a transparent manner and keep the media informed on the same. On the negatives, we will try to understand and try to bring in positivity in Apna Ghar," he added.
"By becoming a minister and getting a portfolio doesn't make things easy. This portfolio is very sensitive, there are so many laws one has to understand," he stated and informed that he needs time to understand all issues before addressing them.
"The chief minister is also of the opinion that we must apply our mind and ensure that we involve more NGOs and people interested so that we are able to run this institution in a proper manner," he added while stating that interaction would be done with the state women's commission, organizations, committees involved and also the staff to understand various issues and problems.
Stating that the staff should remember that they have full support and backing, the minister however mentioned that it does not mean that cognizance would not be taken of what is happening here. "Don't think that we will come here, cut the ribbon and forget," he warned.
"Government is committed to see that a good environment is created for the children and at the same time see to it that all functional issues are resolved," he added.
Commenting on the project, the minister said it is beautifully built with a good environment created. "This project was conceptualized by the CM when he had held the portfolio earlier and he would have been happy to see the outcome," he stated while adding that the CM was supposed to inaugurate it.
GSIDC chairman Deepak Pawaskar, vice-chairman Siddharth Kuncalienkar, Women and Child Development Director Deepak Dessai also spoke on the occasion. WCD Deputy Director Shripad Arlekar, chief judicial magistrate Pooja Kavlekar and other dignitaries were present.
The upgradation project has come at a cost of around Rs 7 crore and includes separate wings for boys and girls. There is also a play area for toddlers and a recreational hall. All dormitories are provided with attached toilets. CCTVs have also been installed in common areas.
