Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government has recorded seven cases of sexual assault on girl students in schools over the past five years, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant informed the Legislative Assembly on July 22, in a reply to Unstarred LAQ No. 148 tabled by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao. According to data provided, two cases were reported in 2021, three in 2023, and two in 2024.
No cases were registered in 2020, 2022, or up to June 30, 2025. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, stated that action taken against the accused in these cases has been detailed in the annexures laid before the House.
In response to queries about steps taken after the infamous 2013 Vasco rape case involving a seven-year-old girl, the government highlighted several measures initiated by the police and education departments.
These include regular training for school staff to identify and respond to sexual assault, awareness programmes for students, and proactive collaboration with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such offences. Additionally, beat officers and Pink Force personnel conduct routine patrolling near schools, especially during opening and closing hours.
The government also confirmed that schools—particularly aided institutions—have been instructed multiple times to install CCTV cameras on their premises. Lists of schools with and without CCTVs have been submitted in the Assembly.
Further steps include the formation of School Management and Safety Committees, sensitisation workshops on child rights, personal safety, and cyber safety, as well as the establishment of child-friendly rooms in police stations. Each police station has a designated Child Welfare Police Officer to create a secure environment for children reporting offences.
