Goemkarponn Desk
Nirankhal: Human Touch Foundation, in collaboration with Sanvedan Kendra, has successfully organized a pioneering delayed birth registration camp for the nomadic tribal Katkhari-Wanarmare community at Nirankhal. This unique initiative, supported by the students of the Social Work Programme, Goa University, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Ponda, embodies the spirit of the ‘Sarkar Tumchya Dari’ (government at your doorstep) initiative.
By bringing essential services directly to the community, this program significantly simplifies the often complex and bureaucratic processes, making it easier for residents to obtain critical documentation. The effort, which involved delayed birth registration of around 88 residents including children, was facilitated under the oversight of Sub Divisional Magistrate Ponda, Shubham Naik, and Secretary of the Village Panchayat Betora-Nirankal-Conxem-Codar. The camp received legal support from Adv. Caroline Colasso and Adv. Vijeta.
This initiative was initiated during the term of Peter F. Borges as Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and was brought to fruition with substantial contributions from law student volunteers from G. R. Kare College of Law, Margao.
Peter F. Borges, Founder, Human Touch Foundation remarked, “Ensuring that every child has a birth certificate is fundamental for their identity and access to social benefits. This initiative is a vital step toward recognizing and supporting one of Goa’s most marginalized communities. I am deeply grateful to the administration, especially Additional Collector, Srinet Kothwale and Sub Divisional Magistrate Shubham Naik, for their invaluable support.”
“Innovative programs like the ‘Sarkar Tumchya Dari’ initiative showcase the government’s dedication to bringing services directly to the citizens. The delayed birth registration camp at Nirankhal is a groundbreaking effort that simplifies the process and ensures access to essential documentation for the community. This initiative sets a new standard for outreach programs, and I commend the joint effort of Human Touch Foundation, Sanvedan Kendra, Goa SCPCR and all involved for their commitment to serving marginalized communities.”
– Shubham Naik, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Ponda
“This camp has been a beacon of hope for our community. For the first time, we feel the government is reaching out to us directly and addressing our needs. This initiative will help many of us secure our identities and access the benefits we deserve. We are grateful to Human Touch Foundation, Sanvedan Kendra, and everyone involved for making this possible.”
– Gopal Pawar, Leader of the Tribals
Staff members from the Human Touch Foundation—Masooma Shaikh, Usha Pawar, Vanessa Colaco, Dashrath Morajkar, Kavita Yamkar, Sneha Gawas, Babani Mapari, Mitzi, Ketan, Cindrella, Sarah Andrade and Wyn from Sanvedna Kendra—along with faculty from Goa University, Alisha Dias and Joycy Manlun, and staff from the Sub Divisional Magistrate, volunteered alongside others in their efforts.
