Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has directed District Collectors North and South to ensure urgent rescue and rehabilitation of children in street situation.
The Commission said that it 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.
“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),” said Peter Borgez
The commission said that trapped in a situation of disintegrating family ties and poverty, children are forced to take to the streets or to create their own 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.
The Commission said 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 a purposeful adulthood as per Mission Vatsalya.