Team Herald

PANJIM: With the State-run Apna Ghar often entangled in controversies, the government is contemplating an alternative as the current concept has been a total failure.

“There have to be different options available. Apna Ghar concept seems to have failed totally. We need to think of an alternative,” Minister for Women and Child Development, Vishwajit Rane, told Herald. The concept, however, is at the preliminary stage as official discussion has not taken place as yet. 

Rane assured to speak to committee members and others concerning the institution for suggestions and views. 

Conceding that some children in Apna Ghar are involved in a lot of illegal activities, he also stated that problems at Apna Ghar exist for several years which were dealt with leniently in the past. “We need to address differently issues sensitively and with an open mind. I will conduct regular checks at Apna Ghar and visit the department too. Regular meetings will take place to put things in place,” he stated. 

Taking serious cognisance of the present crisis at the remand-cum-shelter home, the minister has called for the Levinson Martins inquiry report as the initial step to expedite implementing recommendations. He has assured to accept the report in full and implement the recommendations. 

The department has claimed that they have brought infrastructural and other changes for the well being of the inmates. 

In yet another step towards enhancing work towards the women and children, the minister has proposed reconstituting the Goa State Commission for Women and the Goa Commission for Protection of Child Rights.