MARGAO
Calling for the urgent rescue and rehabilitation of children in street situation within the ecosystem created by the law and as per Standard Operating Procedure for children in street situation as mandated by the Supreme Court, the Goa State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights has told the Collectors of North and South Goa to file a status report on the measures taken within two weeks.
The Commission head by Chairperson Peter F Borges has expressed his concern over the appalling situation of children in street amidst fairs and festivities.
“The Commission is appalled by the situation of astonishing number children in the street situation along with their families amidst the festivities, events and other melas happening at various places in Goa. A large number of children which includes infants are found sleeping in open public places, especially in Margao (KTC Bus Station & Near SGPDA Market) and Mapusa (KTC Bus Station & Open Space at Morod),” the Chairperson stated.
He added: “It is to be noted that the Supreme Court in April 2022 had directed the States and Union Territories (UTs) that have not yet framed their policies to rehabilitate children in street situation (CISS) to immediately implement the Standard Operating Procedure for Care and Protection of Children in Street Situation 2.0 framed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The District Magistrates (DMs) have now been given a pivotal role as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021 and have been entrusted with the responsibility of care and protection of vulnerable children at the district level.”
The chairperson pointed out that the statute empowers and entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the rights of the children. “The Commission is further mandated to monitor the proper and effective implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Commission is appalled by the situation of astonishing number children in street situation along with their families amidst the festivities, events and other melas happening at various places in Goa,” Borges stated.
“Trapped in a situation of disintegrating family ties and poverty, children are forced to take to the streets or to create their survival strategies, including begging on the streets. Further, dropping temperatures are adding to the vulnerability of families who are increasingly unable to provide for their children’s basic needs, including winter clothes, food, clothing and a roof over their heads, making them vulnerable to abuse and severe health conditions,” he said, adding that the State is required to reach out to these children, empowering them emotionally and giving them a childhood of safety and dignity and opportunities for purposeful adulthood as per Mission Vatsalya.
