PANAJI
In view of the rise in sexual assaults on school students, the State government has constituted a High Level Inquiry Committee for enforcement of POCSO Act, 2012 across the schools.
A 11-member committee headed by Director of Education will ensure that the provisions of POCSO Act are not violated by schools or educational institutions and to safeguard school going children.
The committee, apart from academicians, also includes Deputy Superintendent of Police -- North and South -- Dr Nandita D’Souza of Setu Foundation and Prachi Khandeparkar of Sangath Foundation.
Last month, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) had issued fresh recommendations to the Directorate of Education for enforcement of POCSO Act, 2012 in educational institutions in the State.
“The alarming rise in sexual assaults on children in Goa, within the premises of schools and no action or delayed action, being reported in schools, are distressing incidents that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle this issue,” GSCPCR had said.
Last year, several cases of sexual harassment within school premises, with teachers as prime accused, were reported across the State. In all cases, teachers concerned were placed under arrest.
