OLD GOA: Miffed at the presence of reporters, cameramen and photographers inside the Apna Ghar premises, Director of Women and Child Development Vikas Gaunekar came down heavily on the media persons and accused them of only focusing on the negatives and not on the positives.
“Such types of incidents are happening in all children’s remand home, but they get highlighted only in Goa,” said Gaunekar. “In some states, more violent incidents occur.”
Gaunekar further said that the department doesn’t want to hide anything from the media, but there are rules and regulations which have to be obeyed. “There is nothing immoral or illegal going on at Apna Ghar,” he said.
When questioned in what context he made the statement, Gaunekar replied that speculation on this front has been on in certain quarters. Gaunekar said that the children cannot be blamed for the incidents. “It is also difficult to pinpoint the specific reason for their violent behaviour,” he said and added that it is very difficult to handle a children’s home, as one cannot even wield a stick.
“Nearly 75% of the staff at Apna Ghar comprises women, who have to face such a battlefield-like situation daily. These women should be saluted for their bravery in working under such vulnerable conditions,” he said, adding that there exist vacancies at Apna Ghar but nobody wants to apply due to the risks involved.
Speaking on the lack of security, Gaunekar said that tenders were floated three times but nobody applied for the same.
“Now, one contractor who has applied for the tender
is not willing to adhere to the terms and conditions,” he said, highlighting the difficulty faced by the department in
upgrading the security at
Apna Ghar.
