Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa State Women’s Commission has reported notable gains in clearing its backlog and responding to women’s grievances, having disposed of 579 cases between April 2023 and October 2025. The figures work out to roughly 19 cases resolved every month, signalling a push for quicker redressal under the current leadership.
In the same period, the Commission took up 1,194 matters for hearing and initiated suo motu proceedings in 14 instances.
When Chairperson Ranjita Pai took charge in April 2023, the body had 322 pending cases. Of these, 312 have now been settled, while hearings continue in the remaining 10. At present, the Commission is working through 95 active cases, most of which involve domestic violence complaints lodged against husbands or relatives.
Other issues brought before the panel include sexual harassment, emotional abuse, discrimination, and unfair treatment in workplaces and communities.
Alongside its adjudicatory work, the Commission has also widened its outreach. In the last 20 months, it has organised 80 awareness programmes across colleges, panchayats, and women’s self-help groups. These workshops focus on legal rights, domestic violence legislation, online safety, gender sensitivity, and health topics such as nutrition.
In an effort to make hearings more accessible, the Commission has even travelled to meet complainants who could not appear due to illness or personal constraints. A total of 38 such on-site hearings have been held so far.
A Commission official said Pai has laid particular emphasis on cyber safety, with women and students being cautioned about digital scams and the risks associated with social media. “The aim is to ensure women feel secure at home, at work, and online,” the official noted.
The Commission has also scheduled a public hearing on November 29 at Zambaulim, to be held in partnership with the lawyers’ collective. The event will offer women guidance on legal remedies and social issues, providing a platform to seek advice and raise concerns.
With a blend of case disposal and community engagement, the Commission says it is working to strengthen protections for women and ensure their issues are addressed swiftly.
