Goa Child Rights Commission Remains Inactive for Two Years, Constitution Under Process
In a concerning revelation, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has been non-functional for close to two years, operating without appointed members or a chairperson. This critical quasi-judicial body, empowered to monitor and protect child rights, has effectively been dormant, raising serious questions about child welfare oversight in the state.
Minister's Statement in Legislative Assembly
Minister for Women and Child Development, Vishwajit Rane, addressed this issue during a session in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. He confirmed that the constitution of the commission is currently "under process" and will be "notified shortly." This statement comes after an extended period of inactivity that has left the commission unable to fulfill its statutory duties.
Impact on Case Handling and Awareness Programs
The absence of a functional commission has had tangible consequences. Between January 2025 and January 2026, the commission received 17 cases related to child rights violations. However, with no constituted body to address them, these cases have been redirected. "Since the constitution of the new commission is in process, the cases received from the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights are handled by directorate of women and child development," Rane explained.
Furthermore, the minister disclosed that due to the commission not being constituted, zero awareness programs were conducted by the commission over the last two years. Additionally, no orders were passed in cases involving injustice to children, leaving potential grievances unaddressed through this specialized channel.
Compensatory Measures by Directorate
In the interim, the Directorate of Women and Child Development has stepped in to mitigate the gap. Rane highlighted that for the current financial year, the directorate has conducted 31 awareness programs on child rights. These initiatives aim to educate the public and stakeholders about child protection laws and rights, though they lack the formal authority and judicial power of the commission.
Broader Implications for Child Protection
The prolonged inactivity of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights underscores systemic challenges in child welfare governance. As a quasi-judicial body, its role is crucial in:
- Investigating violations of child rights
- Providing legal recourse for affected children
- Promoting awareness and education on child protection
- Monitoring implementation of relevant laws and policies
With the commission's constitution now reportedly in its final stages, stakeholders await its formal notification to resume these vital functions. The delay has highlighted the need for robust institutional mechanisms to ensure continuous protection and advocacy for children's rights in Goa.
