the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa State Commission for Protection of Children’s Rights (GSCPCR) which has acquired a new office is working on some changes in the law governing child rights in the state which it will then propose to the government for enactment.
The Commission has constituted a sub-committee under the chairmanship of the Commission’s chairperson Sushma Mandrekar, and comprising Advocate Viren Bhende, Fr Maverick Fernandes, Shashikant Punaji of the Bal Bhavan.
The committee has been holding consultations with various stakeholders and has received some useful suggestions.
The GSCPCR has also charted out a working plan for the next three years till 2021.
The commission has been inspecting child care institutions based in the state on a quarterly basis and has also set a time-frame for the rehabilitation and integration of the children in these care homes into mainstream society.
The commission has plans to review its schemes in view of certain discriminatory clauses in view of HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 and also restructure and draft a policy for the mental health of children.
Meanwhile, the GSCPCR shifted its offices on Wednesday and is now easily accessible on the ground floor of the government quarters opposite the Goa State Fire Services headquarters in St Inez, Panaji. Bombay High Court Judge Bhadang inaugurated the new premises.
Previously, the the Commission used to function from a rented premises on the third floor of Sakahardande apartments in Panaji.
