PANJIM, DEC 6
NGO SCAN in its Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Bombay High Court at Goa has alleged that despite assurances by Advocate General (AG), the pathetic living conditions at Apna Ghar have not improved.
The petitioners in their affidavit on November 25 mentioned that kitchen, toilets, urinals and wash basins are in terrible and pathetic conditions.
“On our visits, it was further noticed that the electrical fixtures such as switch boards, wires are not repaired and are in dangerous state despite assurance from the AG and directions by the High Court on December 8,” the copy reads.
The matter which was reserved for final hearing on Monday was however adjourned as the affidavit reply of the NGO was missing from the High Court file. Emidio Pinho (child Protection Coordinator) appeared in person for the hearing.
The affairs of Apna Ghar came under scrutiny, few months ago, when High Court asked Principal Sessions Judge to submit an extensive report whether Apna Ghar required infrastructural facilities.
The double bench had converted a letter by SCAN into PIL, which had cited information available under Right to Information regarding the juvenile institution.
The NGO had complained about the children from other States languishing in the Goa State custody for years without any inquiry or rehabilitation. The State and the State appointed Child Welfare Committee were made respondents in the petition.
The letter also brought to the notice about various human rights violation to the children from other states admitted in the state-run Apna Ghar.
