In a decision clearly influenced by the Steet Providence fiasco, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) on Monday issued notices to the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the Director General of Police (DGP) Goa following a complaint regarding the lack of proper infrastructure and financial assistance for mental health establishments in the State.
The GHRC order comes in the wake of a complaint filed by Arturo Carlos D’Souza of Santa Cruz, highlighting the condition of the mentally ill and homeless in the State and the inadequate support given to NGOs running mental health homes.
The demonstration marks the second such protest in recent days, following a similar one staged on Saturday last, when police had intervened and assured the NGO that the issue would be resolved by Monday.
However, Street Providence threatened that if the matter remains unresolved by Monday evening, it will be compelled to leave the individuals at the Panjim Police Station.
Speaking to reporters, NGO’s representative Sapnesh Salgaonkar said, “We were here on Saturday too and were assured that the matter would be addressed by Monday. Since the funds are still not released, we have returned today.”
“If this is not sorted out within two days, continuing operations will become impossible. Now it is up to the police to decide the next course of action,” he added.
Salgaonkar noted that the matter has been brought to the attention of the North Goa Collector, who has assured them of appropriate action.
Another volunteer, Arturo D’Souza, expressed frustration over the lack of a structured approach by the authorities. “There is no system in place. We’ve been requesting for a year now — formulate a policy and create a sustainable system. It’s not right that we have to keep coming out on the streets just to ask for funds to care for the mentally challenged,” he said.
“It is the government’s responsibility to build infrastructure and provide shelter for these individuals through proper mental health care establishments,” D’Souza stressed. “If the government is unwilling to act, the only option left is to approach the courts and enforce the provisions under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.”
It is pertinent to note that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while addressing the State Assembly last month, acknowledged the pending dues but insisted that funds will only be released once Street Providence submits the required utilisation certificates.
“We are ready to release all necessary funds. In fact, Rs 50 lakh was paid just last month. But due process must be followed, and utilisation certificates submitted,” Sawant had stated in his reply to a question from Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao during Zero Hour.
The Chief Minister remarked, “Some people seem to have a habit of blackmail. We have supported NGOs that follow procedures. Additional documentation has been requested from them, which is still pending.”
Meanwhile, Vinayak Volvoikar, Director of the Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria), sought to reassure the public, stating, “There is no need to worry. Arrangements will be made for the individuals’ needs. The Social Welfare Department is already aware of the larger issues.”
When asked whether Provedoria has the capacity to accommodate such a large number of individuals, Volvoikar responded, “Arrangements will be made.”