GOACAN launches vigilance awareness week to empower senior citizens

Team Herald

PANJIM: The Goa Civic Action and Consumer Network (GOACAN) officially launched its Vigilance Awareness Week campaign on Monday in the capital city, focusing on the importance of Citizens Charters from various government departments based at Patto Plaza. This year's campaign is themed "Seniors Can”.

The campaign will be held throughout the week until November 3, with an aim to empower senior citizens to be vigilant against negligence and malpractice by government and commercial agencies that lead to financial losses for consumers.

Throughout the week, senior citizen volunteers from GOACAN will investigate complaints regarding deficiencies in services attributed to inadequate supervision by officials. Areas of concern include electricity, bus transport, food safety, packaged goods, tourism, fire safety, telephone services, weights and measures, cable TV, LPG cylinders, public toilets, banking services, and post offices, among others.

In addition to addressing complaints, GOACAN volunteers will visit government offices to ensure the presence of public grievance officers, the availability of Citizens Charters, and the existence of suggestion and complaint books.

A highlight of the Vigilance Awareness Week will be a special initiative titled “Spot the Deficiency, Identify the Official, Pursue the Remedy”, which will engage senior citizen volunteers in actively identifying issues and seeking resolutions.

This campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also to foster a culture of accountability within public services.