Taking suo motu cognisance of a news re-port published in O Her-aldo exposing prolonged official inaction, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) on Monday issued notices to the Director of Panchayats, Panjim, and the North Goa Collectorover the failure to provide basic shelter to a destitute
family in Pernem. The Com-mission has directed both officials to file their replies and appear before it at 10.30 am on March 5, 2016
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The action follows a report titled “Desperate plea for shelter: Pernem family waits four years for government help”, published in O Heraldo on February 9, 2026, which detailed the grim conditions faced by 70-year-old Chandra vati Venji of Mainwada-Korgao in Pernem taluka. For the past four years, Chandravati has been living with her two daughters in a crumbling mud house that poses a constant threat to their lives, particularly with the mon soon season approaching. The structure is in a dangerously dilapidated state, raising fears of collapse. With no steady source of income and no male support, the family survives largely on the goodwill of neighbours, often struggling to secure even a basic meal. Despite re peatedly approaching the local village panchayat and the offices of the Pernem Mamlatdar and Talathi over the last four years, Chandravati has received no assistance under any government housing or house-repair scheme. The family maintains that all required documents were submitted and formalities completed long ago, but their application has remained inexplicably stalled. The pro longed neglect and repeated setbacks have taken a severe toll on Chandravati’s mental health, pushing her into ex treme stress and despair. “We may be poor, but we at least want a safe roof over our heads. We are not asking for luxury — only protection from rain and danger,” her daughters said. Local residents have also voiced serious concern, warn ing that a major tragedy could occur if the fragile structure collapses. They have urged the State administration to act immediately and provide relief before official apathy re sults in irreversible loss
