Traffic, dark spots, liquor near schools: Students of city institutes flag issues

First meeting of municipal child committee of Corporation of the City of Panaji held

Padmavati Prabhu

Panaji: Traffic congestion, unregulated functioning of liquor shops in close proximity to school areas, sale of tobacco products in stores near schools, presence of dark spots near school zones were some of the issues raised by children during the first meeting of the municipal child committee of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).

“The children raised several concerns affecting their safety, well-being, and daily school life. These issues reflected both infrastructure gaps and child protection concerns requiring immediate administrative intervention,” adv Emidio Pinho, founder, NGO SCAN-Goa said.

The key issues raised included severe traffic congestion during school opening and dispersal hours, unauthorised parking of vehicles, especially school buses, outside school premises causing obstruction and safety risks. They also brought it to the notice of the authorities that liquor bottles found strewn outside school compounds, raising concerns about safety and exposure of children to substance abuse. Additionally, broken footpaths and damaged drainage systems posing hazards to students, especially during the monsoon and presence of poorly lit or dark spots around school zones, increasing vulnerability and safety concerns, were also raised by the children. 

As per the Goa Children’s Act, every Urban Local Body (ULB) has to constitute a municipal child committee. Its core mandate is to ensure that the best interests of the child are upheld at all times. The committee gives special attention to child safety and protection, access to basic amenities and infrastructure, availability of recreational and play facilities, and creating a child-friendly municipal environment.

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate said that the CCP decided to constitute the committee to give a voice to the students and address their concerns.

At present, all schools under the jurisdiction of the CCP have been brought on board. Each school is represented by two students and one teacher representative. The main objective is to provide a formal platform for students to express their concerns, participate in decision-making, and engage actively with civic authorities. The other members of the committee include DySP Panaji, Panaji PI, Traffic PI, doctors from the Health Department and SCAN-Goa. 

“The presence of these departmental representatives ensures a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing child safety, health, and protection concerns,” Adv Pinho said. Several issues raised by the children have been effectively resolved through coordinated efforts between the CCP, Police Department and allied departments.

Adv Pinho said that a comprehensive campaign against the sale of tobacco products and regulation of liquor shops around school premises is scheduled to be launched in January 2026.

“This initiative not only ensures that child-related issues are addressed but also nurtures leadership qualities, confidence, and civic responsibility among students. Active child participation strengthens democratic processes and contributes to building a safer, more responsive city for children,” he said.