PANAJI
The child protection system is facing a crisis with the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) defunct for nearly nine months. The absence of this crucial body has left vulnerable children without institutional support even as the police are investigating the crime.
The implications of this inaction have been deeply felt, especially with three shocking incidents of child abuse reported in recent weeks. In the latest case, 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.
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.
Director of the Women & Child Department Manuel Barreto, when contacted by The Goan, stated that the file for reconstituting the Commission has been moved for government approval.
Sources however revealed that while some progress was made on December 17, 2024 the matter has since been left in limbo. 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.
“It is alarming that the body remains non-functional. Without it, no interventions or protective measures can be effectively undertaken in these cases,” sources added.
The defunct status of the Commission has also stalled several pending complaints and ongoing hearings.
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.
