Officials asked to respond to complaints of neglect towards PwDs
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued notices to the Director General of Police and the Directors of the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) over allegations of insensitive treatment towards PwDs, particularly those with mental health issues.
The Commission has directed the respondents to appear in person or through a representative with their replies on September 3, when the matter will be heard.
The GHRC took cognisance of a complaint filed by Arturo Carlos D’Souza, who alleged that the State government has shown little interest in addressing the concerns of PwDs, and further referred to the Commission’s own findings that the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim is overburdened with patients.
In his complaint, D’Souza stressed the plight of many homeless persons suffering from mental illness who roam the streets without care. “The GHRC, in its recent visit to IPHB, found that the institution is overburdened with patients. Due to the lack of proper mental health establishments in Goa and inadequate financial assistance to NGOs running such facilities, many homeless persons continue to live on the streets, often meeting a miserable end. As a concerned citizen, I find this situation extremely sad and disturbing,” he stated.
He urged the GHRC to intervene and petition the State government and its agencies to provide relief to the homeless and to NGOs managing mental health and shelter homes. D’Souza appealed for the timely release of funds to enable these organisations to function effectively for the benefit of vulnerable sections of society.
