PANAJI:
The extended tenure of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) in both districts nears completion with authorities once again failing to appoint new committees.
After a news report by The Goan on June 22 about the expiry of the CWCs’ tenure, the Directorate of Women & Child Development had extended the committees’ terms by three months or until the formation of new CWCs in North and South Goa, “whichever is earlier.”
With the extension period now ending, the fate of over 500 children across various childcare institutions including government-run facilities remains uncertain.
Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, it is mandatory for any individual, police official, or organisation to report and hand over any lost child or child in need of care to the CWC. The committee holds exclusive powers over matters about care, protection, treatment, development, and rehabilitation of these children until they are released, rehabilitated or repatriated.
