Panaji: A surprise inspection by the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) at Apna Ghar, the state’s rehabilitation home for children at Merces, has uncovered structural and administrative shortcomings, ranging from roof slabs with exposed reinforcement bars to non-functional CCTV cameras and the absence of grills near the girls’ dormitory.
In its 22 point recommendations, the commission called for urgent corrective action at the centre while stressing the need to strengthen education, healthcare, vocational training and rehabilitation facilities for children. The panel has sought an action-taken report on its recommendations by October 6, 2026.
The inspection was led by GHRC Chairperson Justice Bharat P Deshpande, who was accompanied by members Desmond D’Costa and Pramod V Kamat.
The visit was conducted to assess the living conditions, infrastructure and welfare measures available to the children.
The team interacted with deputy director (child welfare) Girish Sawant, superintendent Sumedha Belokar, and children themselves.
The inspection report, dated August 5, recorded that 35 children were residing at the centre—four boys classified as children in conflict with law, besides 14 boys, 16 girls and one toddler classified as children in need of care and protection.
During its interaction with the children, the commission said the atmosphere was cordial and no specific grievances were brought to its notice.
However, the inspection revealed several concerns requiring attention.
The premises were generally maintained but appeared worn out, with faded paint and moss-covered exterior portions. More seriously, damaged concrete surfaces with exposed reinforcement bars were noticed on portions of the roof above children’s dormitories and play areas, posing a potential safety hazard. Broken and missing wall tiles were also found in dormitories and toilets. The commission recommended urgent, time-bound repairs by the Public Works Department.
Security surveillance was another concern. Of the 16 CCTV cameras installed at Apna Ghar, seven were non-functional at the time of inspection. The panel directed that all cameras be repaired and maintained operational to ensure uninterrupted surveillance. A non-functional streetlight system, despite correspondence with the Electricity Department, was also flagged.
The kitchen and canteen were found neat and hygienic, although their infrastructure was described as old and in need of renovation. The water purifier also appeared worn out, though no significant water-supply problem was reported.
A key administrative concern was the absence of delegated financial powers for the deputy director. The commission observed that limited financial powers were necessary to deal promptly with emergencies such as medicines, urgent repairs and other requirements affecting children’s safety and welfare, warning that repeated prior approvals could cause avoidable delays.
Beyond infrastructure, the GHRC stressed that rehabilitation must extend beyond basic shelter. It recommended restarting music classes, introducing regular computer-literacy programmes and providing vocational and life-skills training to children unable or unwilling to continue formal education.
The commission also called for regular age-appropriate awareness sessions on personal safety, bodily autonomy, good and bad touch, POCSO provisions, trafficking, grooming and exploitation.
The commission further recommended comprehensive health screening, including appropriate blood investigations, at admission and maintenance of individual health cards containing medical history, blood group, nutritional status, allergies and treatment records.
It also proposed safety grills on the first floor of the girls’ section, rooftop solar panels to reduce dependence on conventional electricity, and rainwater harvesting to strengthen water security.
The GHRC also took note of difficulties faced by the South Goa child welfare committee, including inadequate seating, lack of transport for inspections, poor internet connectivity and non-release of members’ honorarium for three months.
