PANJIM: In an attempt to improve the conditions at Apna Ghar, the Directorate of Women & Child Development has decided to involve additional non-government organisations and organisations concerning this area of work onboard.
“Chief Minister (Manohar Parrikar) is of the opinion that we need to apply our minds and ensure we need more NGOs and people into it, so that we are able run (Apna Ghar) in proper manner. Right from the commissions to each and every organisation and committees will interact with each other; understand what their problems are, what are their functional issues, etc,” Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Women and Child Development said after inaugurating the renovated Institutional Complex of Apna Ghar on Monday.
The minister assured to hold meetings with all the concerned to understand the functioning and issues. “The government is committed to engage with various stakeholders at different levels,” The work doesn’t end after this inauguration. I will interact with the staff and all concerned to understand the functional issues they face. We are here to improve ourselves and we will work in a transparent environment. Efforts will be made to address even small issues instantly,” he added.
Director of Women and Child Development Deepak Desai, who was also present at the inaugural among others, said they are studying different aspects and will also involve various voluntary organisations.
Claiming that he was running short of time to inspect the remand-cum-shelter home on Monday, he assured to visit the campus in near future.
Rane also commented on the controversy surrounding the institution stating the government is accepting all the recommendations in the Levinson Martins inquiry report.
“There are a lot of controversies and a lot of negative publicity coming up. We are taking recommendations of the Levinson Martins report. We are trying to improve ourselves … it is very important to get proper inputs as to what is actually happening. I am taking a stock of the situation and holding my first meeting with the department tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said claiming that inmates come here out of different circumstances.
He reiterated that he needs to understand and have full knowledge of the issues prevailing here to be able to raise it at the higher level for solution.
Built at a cost of around Rs 5 crore, the renovated complex has walls clad with vitrified tiles, colourful interiors, CCTV surveillance, dormitories with attached toilets, separate kitchen and dining facilities for girls, etc.
Economic Development Corporation chairperson Sidharth Kuncalienker said that the project of the complex portrayed the government’s sensitivity to addressing issues of society. He added that the complex will help to create conducive environment to rehabilitate children and is a beginning of a new initiative to take it to a new level.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation chairperson Deepak Pauskar said that the complex was aesthetically designed and of a high quality infrastructure.
