PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has urged the State government to speed up the creation of rehabilitation facilities for persons with mental illness and homeless individuals, citing delays despite Supreme Court directions.
In its preliminary recommendations, the Commission called for the appointment of a nodal officer-led committee to examine the issue, suggest interim measures and prepare a rehabilitation and empowerment scheme. The committee will include officials from government departments, the Goa State Mental Health Authority, NGOs, the complainant and the Disability Rights Association of Goa.
The GHRC noted that there has been no significant progress in establishing the proposed halfway home at Chimbel for over a year. It recommended expediting the setting up of halfway and long-stay homes for persons with mental illness who have been discharged from institutions and for homeless individuals.
The inquiry followed a complaint filed in August 2025 by Arturo Carlos D’Souza, highlighting gaps in infrastructure and delays in releasing funds to NGOs managing shelter homes.
The Directorate of Social Welfare informed the Commission that Street Providence Trust runs 11 homes housing around 180 people and received a Rs 50 lakh grant in June 2025. The GHRC has sought an action taken report from authorities within 30 days.
