Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A total of 12 cases of sexual assault on school-going girls have been reported in Goa between 2021 and January 31, 2026, the State government informed the Legislative Assembly.
In a written reply to an unstarred question by MLA Yuri Alemao, Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant provided year-wise data, showing two cases in 2021, five in 2023, two in 2024, and three in 2025, while no cases were reported in 2022 and up to January 2026.
Detailing measures taken to curb such incidents, the government said awareness programmes are being conducted in schools and colleges in collaboration with NGOs, focusing on child safety, cyber awareness, and laws such as POCSO and POSH.
Police presence has also been strengthened, with personnel deployed round-the-clock at railway platforms and regular patrolling carried out near school premises, especially during opening and closing hours.
Authorities have coordinated with educational institutions to install CCTV cameras in schools and, where possible, in school buses. Schools have also been instructed to enforce strict monitoring of staff and visitors, including mandatory background verification and police checks.
Additional safeguards include the deployment of female attendants in school buses and safety training for drivers and helpers.
The government stated that offences are promptly registered and investigated, with charge sheets filed under relevant legal provisions.
On infrastructure, most police stations in the state have set up child-friendly rooms to provide a safe environment for children, though a few are yet to do so due to space constraints. Each police station has also designated a Child Welfare Police Officer to handle such cases sensitively.
The government added that detailed information on cases, action taken, and institutions with CCTV facilities has been provided in annexures laid before the House.
